Saudi Arabia’s SAMI, Turkish firms forge defense partnerships

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced Thursday the signing of three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Turkish companies aimed at bolstering the localization of defense industries in Saudi Arabia.

The agreements include a partnership with Baykar, Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer, to establish manufacturing capabilities and develop systems for unmanned aerial vehicles within the kingdom.

Another MOU with Aselsan, a prominent Turkish aerospace and defense firm, focuses on exploring opportunities for advancing defense electronics technologies in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, SAMI signed a preliminary agreement with Türkiye’s Fergani Space to develop emerging technologies in the kingdom to support the global space sector.

These collaborations come after Saudi Arabia’s substantial defense contract with Baykar last year, marking Türkiye’s largest-ever defense deal and signify a strategic move toward enhancing local defense capabilities in Saudi Arabia.