Riyadh, February 06, 2024, The second day of the esteemed World Defense Show 2024, held under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, witnessed significant developments as SAMI, the national defense and security powerhouse and a wholly owned entity of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), forged robust partnerships with leading national entities.
Amidst the patronage of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and the guidance of GAMI Deputy Governor Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Athel, SAMI inked pivotal agreements aimed at advancing the defense and security sectors. Notably, SAMI entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to foster a strategic alliance in digital solutions tailored for defense and security needs.
This groundbreaking collaboration seeks to integrate innovative digital transformation solutions and bolster command and control center services by synergizing SAMI's expertise in defense with STC's telecommunications capabilities. The MoU stands as a pioneering initiative in the region, heralding the convergence of military industries with telecommunications to leverage digital technologies for bolstering national security and defense.
In addition, SAMI sealed a contract with Zamil Structural Steel Company to establish the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC) in Al Kharj City, a monumental endeavor aimed at manufacturing armored vehicles and integrating sub-surface land systems into an advanced combat system. SLIC, a first-of-its-kind facility in the Kingdom, will serve as a pivotal hub for localizing defense industries, thus aligning with SAMI's commitment to achieving the localization of 50% of defense spending as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.
Upon completion, SLIC will offer comprehensive engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities for various land systems, along with advanced testing, maintenance, and logistical support services. Leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4.0) technologies, the complex will cater to the evolving technical and operational demands of integrated combat land systems across defense and security sectors.
Moreover, SAMI solidified its commitment to enhancing security within its operations and the broader defense sector by signing an MoU with the National Security Services Company (SAFE), a PIF entity. This strategic collaboration aims to bolster security services, enhance secure transportation, and activate cutting-edge security technology, aligning with the overarching goal of localizing 50% of defense spending outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and contributing to SAMI's strategic ambitions.
Through its expansive pavilion spanning over 3,000 square meters at the World Defense Show 2024, SAMI showcased its latest innovations across five defense sectors, reaffirming its dedication to advancing national capabilities and supporting the readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces. With a steadfast commitment to localization and ambition to rank among the top 25 defense industries globally by 2030, SAMI remains at the forefront of shaping the future of defense and security.
