The World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has garnered significant attention, particularly for the Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, as reported by Independent Urdu on February 9, 2026. The event, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is a major gathering for leaders in the global defense industry, policy makers, military experts, and investors. The exhibition, which runs until February 12, 2026, showcases advanced defense technologies across various domains, including air, land, sea, space, and security. The Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, officially inaugurated the event, highlighting its importance in the defense sector. According to Express News, the Pakistani JF-17 Thunder has attracted 'extraordinary interest' from participants, indicating its potential impact on international defense collaborations. The Pakistani Minister of Defense, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, visited various stalls, including those of Pakistani and Saudi defense companies, and met with his Saudi counterpart to discuss regional defense cooperation. He described the event as a 'significant milestone' for fostering defense collaboration in the region. Daily Qudrat further reports that several countries are interested in acquiring Pakistan's fighter jets and defense technologies, as stated by Khawaja Asif. This interest underscores Pakistan's growing influence in the global defense market. The sentiment across all sources is positive, reflecting optimism about the potential for enhanced defense partnerships and technological advancements.