Italian Training Aircraft Manufacturer Blackshape Aircraft to Participate in World Defense Show 2026

Saudi Arabia – Blackshape Aircraft, an Italy-based manufacturer of high-performance light aircraft, has confirmed its participation in the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, reaffirming its growing engagement in the Gulf region through its partnership with Abdel Hadi A. Al-Qahtani & Sons (AHQ). Blackshape will exhibit at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center from February 8–12, showcasing its aircraft and defense-aerospace capabilities at Booth H3-A12.1 G. Back in November 2025 AFM reported that Blackshape Aircraft, part of Angel Holding, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi conglomerate Al-Qahtani during the Italy–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Riyadh, establishing a new commercial partnership for the promotion of Blackshape Aircraft’s Prime and Gabriel training aircraft in the Kingdom. The agreement represents a strategic step in Blackshape’s expansion into the Middle East and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for military and ab-initio training platforms.

• Under the MoU, Al-Qahtani will serve as Blackshape’s partner for marketing the Prime and Gabriel aircraft across Saudi Arabia, with discussions already underway for potential future local production of Italian-built aircraft in the Kingdom.
• The agreement was signed by Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni and Abdullah Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Vice President of Al-Qahtani, in the presence of senior leadership from both Angel Holding and Al-Qahtani Group.
• According to media reports Blackshape Aircraft is also reported to be in active negotiations with the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) regarding the potential supply of more than 30 Gabriel aircraft for basic military pilot training.
• A preliminary phase of the proposed contract would include initial RSAF pilot training in Italy, conducted at Blackshape’s training base located at Grottaglie Airport.

Source: Blackshape Aircraft Photo Credit: Blackshape Aircraft