Arab News, Thursday, Feb 08, 2024 | Rajab 27, 1445
Saudi Defense Ministry signs 17 deals to bolster defenses
RIYADH:
A package of deals was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense with
local and global companies at the World Defense Show in Riyadh.
Some 17 contracts and two memorandums of understanding were signed to boost
the Saudi armed forces’ military readiness, strengthen their capabilities,
enhance combat efficiency, as well as localize manufacturing in line with
Vision 2030, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The signing of two contracts for the Air Force between the Ministry of
Defense and PrivatAir Saudi Arabia took place in the presence of Khalid Al-Bayari,
assistant minister of defense for executive affairs, and Ibrahim Al-Omar,
director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp.
Six industrial participation contracts with national and international
companies were also secured by the General Authority for Military
Industries, represented by Deputy Gov. Mohammed Al-Athel.
Among the key contracts secured included one with the South Korean company
LIG Nex1 to enhance the air force’s capabilities through the localization of
advanced air defense systems manufacturing and development.
Another was reached with Raytheon Saudi Arabia, plus further two were struck
with the Middle East Propulsion Co.
A contract was sealed with Saudi Arabian Military Industries Aerospace and
Maintenance Services for the air force and another with SAMI LAND Systems
for the ground troops.
To reinforce the focus on securing future requirements related to air
defense systems, the ministry and GAMI signed two MoUs, one each with
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Saudi Arabia.
Further contracts were signed with SAAB Saudi Arabia for the air force, and
with Haji Husein Ali Reza & Co. for the ground forces.
As for the navy’s interests, this was demonstrated through a contract with
Saudi Arabian Thales International.
Two significant deals were signed with SAMI, one of which for the air force
and the other to reinforce the G5 Sahel Joint Force in combating terrorism.
The Ministry of Defense also signed two contracts with the Big Blue Pearl
Co. to boost troops, while another deal for the benefit of ground services
was signed with the Modern Technology Co.
A contract with the Saudi Information Technology Co. for the General
Administration of Information Technology at the ministry’s Agency for
Excellence Services was also signed to underscore the ministry’s commitment
to modernizing its infrastructure and services.