Riyadh, February 7, 2024, On Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Defense revealed the culmination of its efforts at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, announcing the signing of 17 contracts and two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with both local and international companies.
These contracts underscore the ministry's commitment to bolstering the military readiness of the Armed Forces, augmenting their capabilities, and enhancing combat efficiency. Furthermore, the agreements aim to bolster local manufacturing, aligning with the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 to localize over half of the expenditures on military equipment and services.
Among the notable signings witnessed by Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khalid bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation Director General, Ibrahim Al-Omar, were two contracts for the Air Force between the Ministry of Defense and PrivatAir Saudi Arabia (PASA).
Additionally, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), represented by Deputy Governor Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Athel, facilitated the signing of six industrial participation contracts with both national and international entities. Notably, contracts with companies like LIG Nex1 from South Korea and Raytheon Technologies of Saudi Arabia signal a concerted effort towards the localization of advanced air defense systems.
Further enhancing the Armed Forces' capabilities, contracts were inked with SAMI Aerospace and Maintenance Services Limited, SAMI LAND Systems, SAAB Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabian Thales International, among others.
Moreover, the Ministry of Defense extended its collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) through contracts for both the Air Force and the G5 Sahel Joint Force to counter terrorist organizations.
In addition to these agreements, contracts with the Big Blue Pearl Company and the Modern Technology Company were sealed to bolster the ground forces. The ministry also prioritized advancements in information technology, as evidenced by the contract with the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) for the General Administration of Information Technology at the Ministry’s Agency for Excellence Services.
