Saudi Arabia’s military sector has gained widespread adoration at Eurosatory, an international defence and security exhibition underway in Paris. The kingdom showcased a number of its military companies – with the key emphasis on the potential of this sector in achieving key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade and Administration said that Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military (GAMI) would witness a tenfold increase in the localisation of the Kingdom’s military procurement by 2030. Since then, the Saudi government has invested over $20 billion in its military industry to improve its general defence industry, research and development.
Saudi Arabia’s showcase at the defence exhibition in Paris reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its military capabilities and fostering international partnerships. The Kingdom’s GAMI governor Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali noted that Saudi’s strategic participation aims to empower companies operating in the defence and security sector to meet with investors interested in the quality opportunities the sector presents.
According to the Global Fire Power Index, as of 2024, Saudi Arabia ranks 23 of 145 countries considered for the Global Fire Power Index (GFPI). Saudi Arabia is viewed as a major player in Middle Eastern affairs. The kingdom has invested heavily in the development and advancement of its military. The defence budget is estimated to be $76.7 billion-giving the oil-rich nation a significant advantage over its regional rivals.
The country has 55 naval assets, including seven frigates, it’s air force boasts 283 fighter jets, including American F-15 Eagles, Tornados and Eurofighter Typhoons. Saudi Arabia also has started delivering its own model of the Eagle, the F-15SA. Skeptics have questioned if the Kingdom will keep up with its defence spending in the long run given its ambitions to shift its economy away from a reliance on oil.
However, Saudi Arabia’s showcase of its military growth and advancement has proven the kingdom’s commitment to advancing its military. The participating entities in the Saudi Pavilion highlighted the rapid steps taken by military industries to continue localising and empowering the sector, which is rich in local capabilities that meet the practical needs of the military agencies within the framework of the sector’s rapid growth in attracting quality investments, which will help develop a thriving economy and sustainable industry.
Eurosatory is the largest international exhibition for the land and air-land defence and security industry. It showcases innovative goods and systems, attracting over 2,000 exhibitors, country delegations, and visitors.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military (GAMI) has partners from government and private entities:
Ministry of Investment: Represented by Invest Saudi, the Kingdom’s investment promotion agency.
General Authority for Defence Development (GADD): Overseeing the development of Saudi Arabia’s defence industry.
SAMI: The leading Saudi military industries company.
Saudia Technic: A provider of comprehensive aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Life Shield for Military Industries: A manufacturer of armoured vehicles and protective solutions.
Scopa Saudi Arabia for Military Industries: A specialist in manufacturing and supplying ammunition and explosives.
Arab International Company (AIC): A provider of integrated defence solutions.
Saudi Arabian Leather Industries Company (SLIC): A manufacturer of military footwear and leather products.
AL-ESNAD Military Industries Support Group: Offering comprehensive logistics and support services to the defence sector.
KRMC Service Company for Manufacturing: A provider of manufacturing and maintenance services for defence equipment.
World Defence Show (WDS): The Kingdom’s premier defence exhibition and conference.
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