On the third day of the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, Polish defense manufacturer DEMARKO S.A. and Saudi Arabia’s JASSARA Supply Trading formalized a cooperation agreement aimed at expanding joint activities across the Saudi and wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) defense markets. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of senior diplomatic, military, and industry representatives, highlighting the growing strategic importance of cross-regional defense industrial partnerships.
The agreement was signed on behalf of DEMARKO by Board Advisor Marcin Nowotka, while Gen. Talal Al-Blwi represented JASSARA. The ceremony was attended by Robert Rostek, Ambassador of Poland to Saudi Arabia; Sultan Alhammad, Vice Chairman of the Board; Col. Artur Rochnowski, Poland’s Defense Attaché in the Kingdom; and Witold Smidowski, former Polish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Piotr Placha of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) was also present, underscoring Warsaw’s institutional support for international expansion of Polish defense firms.
Strategic Context: WDS 2026 as a Global Defense Industry Platform
The agreement reflects the broader strategic role of World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh as a premier international defense exhibition facilitating industrial collaboration, technology transfer, and procurement engagement. Organized under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 defense localization goals, WDS has rapidly emerged as a key global venue where manufacturers, governments, and integrators negotiate partnerships and showcase advanced military technologies.
This year’s exhibition has drawn major defense contractors, military delegations, and policymakers from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Within this context, the DEMARKO–JASSARA partnership represents not only a bilateral commercial agreement but also a tangible example of how WDS serves as a catalyst for industrial alliances aligned with regional modernization initiatives.
Company Profiles and Strategic Alignment
DEMARKO S.A. specializes in the manufacturing of highly specialized military transport solutions, particularly low-bed semi-trailers designed for moving tanks, armored vehicles, and heavy defense equipment. The company also produces specialized vehicles for medical and logistical support missions, positioning itself as a niche supplier within the military mobility and sustainment segment.
The agreement aligns with DEMARKO’s international growth strategy, which focuses on expanding its export footprint and establishing local partnerships in high-demand markets. By entering into a cooperative framework with JASSARA, DEMARKO gains access to regional distribution channels, operational insight, and localization opportunities critical for success in Middle Eastern defense markets.
JASSARA Supply Trading, meanwhile, operates within Saudi Arabia’s defense support ecosystem, facilitating procurement, integration, and supply chain services for military and security clients. Its partnership with DEMARKO reflects Riyadh’s broader push to strengthen domestic defense industrial capacity while leveraging foreign expertise to accelerate capability development.
Technology Transfer and Regional Impact
A central objective of the agreement is to enable technology transfer and localized capability development across GCC markets. Such arrangements are increasingly prioritized by regional governments seeking to reduce dependence on imports while building indigenous industrial ecosystems capable of supporting national defense requirements.
Through this partnership, DEMARKO’s specialized transport technologies could be adapted to regional operational conditions, including desert terrain logistics, long-distance equipment mobility, and rapid deployment requirements. For GCC states investing heavily in armored platforms and mechanized forces, advanced transport infrastructure is a critical enabler of operational readiness.
The collaboration also supports Saudi Arabia’s localization ambitions, which emphasize joint production, knowledge sharing, and workforce development within the Kingdom’s defense sector.
Diplomatic and Industrial Significance
The presence of Polish diplomatic officials and defense representatives at the signing highlights the strategic dimension of the agreement beyond its commercial value. Poland has increasingly sought to expand its defense exports to the Middle East, viewing the region as a priority market for industrial cooperation and long-term partnerships.
From Riyadh’s perspective, engagement with European defense manufacturers supports diversification of supply chains and strengthens international defense ties. Agreements such as this illustrate how mid-tier specialized manufacturers can play a pivotal role in global defense supply networks by offering niche capabilities that complement larger prime contractors.
Broader Implications for the Defense Logistics Sector
Military logistics and heavy equipment transport remain foundational elements of modern force projection. As armed forces invest in advanced armored vehicles, artillery systems, and mechanized platforms, demand for specialized transport solutions continues to rise. Partnerships like DEMARKO and JASSARA’s signal growing recognition that logistics infrastructure is as strategically important as frontline weapon systems.
By combining European manufacturing expertise with regional market access, the agreement may accelerate the deployment of modernized transport fleets across GCC defense forces. This could enhance operational mobility, reduce deployment timelines, and strengthen interoperability with allied militaries.
Conclusion
The cooperation agreement between DEMARKO and JASSARA, signed during World Defense Show 2026, represents a strategically significant development within the evolving landscape of international defense industry collaboration. Beyond its immediate commercial implications, the partnership underscores the importance of technology transfer, localization, and cross-regional industrial integration in shaping the future of defense procurement and capability development.
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