Saudi Arabia, Roketsan reportedly in talks for joint cruise missile development
Roketsan displays military missiles 'Cakir' (L) and 'Atmaca' (R) during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi, Malaysia on May 23, 2023. (AA Photo)
The Saudi General Authority for Defense Development (GADD) is reportedly in discussions with Türkiye’s defense firm Roketsan for joint research and development (R&D) projects focused on intelligent cruise missiles.
Strategic collaboration in cruise missile technology
As the United States backed off from selling Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) and Tomahawk cruise missiles to Saudi Arabia, Roketsan’s potential involvement in developing long-range cruise missile technology for the kingdom is viewed as a significant strategic move.
Roketsan CEO Murat Ikinci recently stated that the company’s products would be produced in Saudi Arabia, marking a new phase in defense cooperation between the two countries. Also after the restoration of the relations between Ankara and Riyadh, the potential defense cooperation between two nations are being discussed widely.
Roketsan’s export and manufacturing plans in Saudi Arabia
In an interview during the exhibition in Saudi Arabia, Ikinci highlighted the significance of the Saudi market for Roketsan’s expansion, emphasizing plans to integrate production into Saudi Arabia’s existing defense infrastructure.
“We held discussions with relevant Saudi authorities regarding the export of Roketsan products and their local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Other defense deals on the table
In 2023, Saudi Arabia signed a $3 billion agreement with Baykar, a leading Turkish drone manufacturer, to procure Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This partnership includes technology transfer, joint production, and the local manufacturing of 70% of Akinci components within Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Military Industries (SAMI).
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar described the collaboration as “an important step toward strengthening ties between our nations while contributing to regional and global peace.”
In addition to UAVs, Türkiye is keen to sell its Altay main battle tank and missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia. Officials highlighted that these systems would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities while supporting Türkiye’s growing defense exports.
The agreement also includes discussions on furthering the two nations’ cooperation in high-tech development and defense production, aligning with Saudi Arabia‘s plans to diversify its economy and increase local manufacturing capacities.
