Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a PIF-owned national defense and security organization of Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense Monday announced the launch and operation of the production line for software-defined radio systems at the Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) factory.
SAMI will be partnering with the Royal Saudi Land Forces and with the support of the General Authority for Military Industries for the production line.
SAMI CEO Waleed Abdulmajeed Abu Khalid underlined the partnership in strengthening relationships with L3Harris, the world’s leading defense company, and SAMI’s commitment to significantly enhancing local capabilities in this field.
He said that the project plays a key role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to support the localization of 50 percent of the Kingdom’s defense spending, and also contributes to enhancing local content and continuous partnership with the Royal Saudi Land Forces.
CEO of AEC, Eng. Ziad bin Hamoud Al-Musallam, stressed the company’s commitment to developing the defense manufacturing sector within the framework of strategic partnerships and working to expand them, to ensure the achievement of ambitions to localize technologies for the defense industries.
In June, SAMI signed an agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for engine maintenance and repair.
The agreement includes technical assistance and qualification, development of technical infrastructure, and technical training for Saudi talents who will earn their top qualifications through Safran Helicopter Engines’ facility in Tarnos, France, SPA reported.
Safran Helicopter Engines will develop SAMI Saudi talents in the maintenance and repair of the Makila 1 and Arriel 2 helicopter engines installed in the Saudi Super Puma, Panther, and other helicopter platforms.
Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.