Saudi Arabia’s future military aviation ambitions were in the spotlight this week at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, where global aerospace firms highlighted fighter jets, upgrades, and unmanned systems as the kingdom seeks to modernize its air force amid regional security challenges.

The exhibition, running from Feb 8 to 12, has drawn major defense and aviation manufacturers keen to position themselves for potential Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) programs, according to a report published by The Aviationist on Feb 10.

A full-scale mock-up of the F-35A Lightning II in Saudi markings was among the most prominent displays. While no operational aircraft were present on the ground, two US Navy F-35Cs conducted a flypast during the show’s opening. Lockheed Martin has said government-to-government discussions are ongoing regarding a possible Saudi acquisition of the stealth fighter.

Saudi Arabia has pursued the F-35 for years, but previous efforts stalled amid political and strategic considerations. Momentum has reportedly increased following renewed US-Saudi defense engagement and statements by US President Donald Trump in late 2025 indicating that a sale could move forward. Analysts note, however, that any deal would still need to address Washington’s legal requirement to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region.

Alongside the F-35, Boeing is promoting an upgrade path for Saudi Arabia’s large fleet of F-15 fighters, potentially bringing them closer to the standard of the US Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II. According to industry data, the RSAF operates more than 230 F-15 variants, which form the backbone of its combat aviation alongside Eurofighter Typhoons.

“We are talking right now with the Royal Saudi Air Force on F-15EX,” Boeing executive Vince Logsdon was quoted as saying by Aviation Week, adding that discussions include both upgrades and possible new acquisitions. Proposed improvements include new radar, electronic warfare systems, and a modernized cockpit.

The show has also highlighted emerging partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers. Turkish Aerospace Industries is displaying a model of its Kaan fighter, with Turkish officials hinting at possible Saudi involvement in the program. Meanwhile, the JF-17C Block III, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is also on display, following a defense cooperation pact signed between Riyadh and Islamabad in 2025.

In addition to crewed combat aircraft, unmanned aviation featured prominently. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has said it is in talks that could see Saudi Arabia acquire large numbers of collaborative combat aircraft and MQ-9B drones, reflecting growing interest in remotely piloted and autonomous systems.

Industry observers say the breadth of aircraft on display underscores Saudi Arabia’s intent to diversify aviation partnerships while upgrading its air combat capabilities through a mix of advanced fighters, modernized legacy platforms, and unmanned systems. Decisions stemming from the show could shape the balance of air power in the Gulf for decades, analysts say, though many of the potential deals remain at an exploratory stage.

Source: The Aviationist