Ashraf AboArafe
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, an agreement and two memorandums of understanding were signed in Riyadh, yesterday, Sunday, between a number of national companies specialized in the military and defense industries, and Turkish defense companies, to localize the drone industry and its component systems within the Kingdom.
The agreement and the two memorandums of understanding come as a continuation of the two acquisition contracts signed by the Ministry of Defense about two weeks ago with the Turkish company “Baykar” for defense industries, which aims to raise the readiness of the armed forces and enhance the Kingdom’s defense and manufacturing capabilities.
During the ceremony held on this occasion, the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) signed the localization agreement for the group’s companies with the Turkish company “Baykar” for defense industries, which aims to manufacture electronic systems, mechanical parts, and aircraft structures using composite materials, manufacturing and final flight tests, in addition to providing Training and support services.
The settlement agreement was signed by the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI), its CEO, Eng. Waleed bin Abdul Majeed Abu Khaled, and by the Turkish company Baykar Defense Industries, its CEO, Khalouk Bayrakdar.
The National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS) also signed two memorandums of understanding with the Turkish company Eselsan and the Turkish company Roketsan. To localize the manufacture of ammunition and optical sensors for the drone system and manufacture them inside the Kingdom.
The two memorandums of understanding were signed by the National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS), its CEO, Eng. Ali bin Abdullah Al-Ashban, on the part of the Turkish company Eselsan, its CEO, Ahmed Akyol, and on the part of the Turkish company, Roketsan, its CEO, Murad Ekinji.
On this occasion, His Excellency the Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, appreciated the generous sponsorship of His Highness the Minister of Defense for the signing ceremony of the agreement to localize the drone industry and its constituent systems within the Kingdom, which embodies the interest and support of the wise leadership – may God support them – in the localization of military industries and the promotion of Manufacturing and defense capabilities within the Kingdom.
He added that the localization agreement and the two memorandums of understanding translate the tireless efforts made by the Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the General Authority for Military Industries as a legislator for the military industry sector, and the Public Authority for Defense Development concerned with defining the goals and activities of research, development and innovation in the fields of technology and defense systems. In a way that contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by localizing more than 50% of the total military spending.
His Excellency noted that this agreement and the two memorandums of understanding will contribute to the development of Emiratisation capabilities within the Kingdom, through the transfer of technology and knowledge, and the training of Saudi cadres, which will enhance local capabilities and create job opportunities for Saudi youth.
In addition, His Excellency the Head of the Defense Industries Agency of the Republic of Turkey, Professor Khalluk Gurgun, affirmed that this agreement and the two memorandums of understanding translate the extended historical relationship that brings together the two friendly countries, which was strengthened by ties of strategic partnerships in the military and defense fields, noting the support and empowerment of the leaders of the two countries, in line with the objectives of And Saudi Vision 2030 in achieving settlement and defense self-sufficiency.
For his part, the CEO of the Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI), Engineer Walid bin Abdul Majeed Abu Khaled, indicated that the signing of this agreement and the two memorandums of understanding confirms the support and interest of the wise leadership – may God bless them – to localize the defense industries sector and continue the process of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, as this agreement represents A big step for SAMI to be among the top 25 companies in this sector worldwide.
For his part, the General Manager of the National Company for Mechanical Systems, Eng. Ali bin Abdullah Al-Ashban, praised the support and empowerment that national companies enjoy from the wise leadership, pointing out that the signing of the two memorandums of understanding will contribute to advancing the localization process in the defense industries sectors to achieve Saudi Vision 2030.
On the Saudi side, the signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, His Excellency the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and His Excellency the Governor of the General Authority for Defense Development, Dr. Faleh. bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiman, and His Excellency the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Military Industries Company, Dr. Ghassan bin Abdulrahman Al-Shibl, and His Excellency the Assistant Minister of Investment, Eng. Ibrahim bin Youssef Al-Mubarak. On the Turkish side, His Excellency the President of the Turkish Defense Industries Agency, Professor Haluk Gorgon.
