Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 3 February 2026. Rolls-Royce returns to the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh from 8–12 February, reinforcing its commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through advanced localisation, with Saudi nationals now representing over 80 percent of its workforce in the Kingdom.

Rolls-Royce’s partnership with Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1960s as the Kingdom laid the foundations of its modern defense and aerospace sectors. Over six decades, the company has supported the operational readiness of national defense assets, partnering closely with the Saudi government to deliver propulsion and power solutions across air, land, and sea.

Today, Rolls-Royce’s workforce continues to play a critical role supporting multiple Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) platforms, with hundreds of engines in service for the Tornado, Typhoon and Hawk aircraft. It has also established the Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) as an authorised MRO, developed local power solutions with Saudi Engines Manufacturing Company (MAKEEN) and embedded local expertise into the UK-Saudi Salam agreement with the RSAF.

Rolls-Royce’s mtu marine engines also support Saudi Arabia’s naval and government fleets: around 450 engines guarantee reliability and readiness at sea. Combined with aerospace and land-based power systems, these capabilities reinforce national resilience and strengthen the Kingdom’s defence ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the World Defense Show, Cate Wilkinson, Senior Vice President of Rolls-Royce, Middle East said; “Over the decades Rolls-Royce has embedded sovereign capability, created Saudi jobs, advanced industrial localisation, and helped RSAF to remain one of the most capable forces in the region. Training, knowledge transfer and technical support are at the core of this partnership where we have achieved more than 80 percent Saudization on the eve of the World Defense Show.”

The company has also been chosen by the Kingdom’s commercial airlines, with Saudia, flynas and flyadeal all flying or having ordered Rolls-Royce Trent engines. Most recently, Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce to purchase 100 Trent XWB-97 engines to power up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Additionally, Rolls-Royce is enabling Saudi Arabia’s energy transition by delivering resilient power for critical industries, alongside creating highvalue opportunities for Saudi nationals in line with Vision 2030.

This includes the recent order to supply 50 mtu engines for highspeed trains in the Kingdom, with ten trains set to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h on the Dammam–Riyadh route.

Speaking about the company’s presence at the World Defense Show, Cate Wilkinson added; “The show provides a platform for us to demonstrate high performing power and propulsion solutions, partnerships and capabilities that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities across defense, aerospace, industry and society.”

Rolls-Royce will be exhibiting in the UK zone of WDS (United Kingdom: stand number: H1-F16), marking the company’s third consecutive participation since the show’s launch in 2022. Rolls-Royce will also be exhibiting mtu products on the Makeen stand, a trusted local partner in the region, located in H3-D2.