Saudi Arabia’s GAMI and US-based Lockheed Martin have agreed to join forces to localise key elements of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Missile Defense System in the kingdom. 

 

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) announced today at the World Defense Show its approval of two localisation projects: manufacture of missile interceptor launchers and producing the missile interceptor canisters locally. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, these projects fall under the programme for localization of the THAAD Weapon System, a statement said.

 

Such projects serve GAMI’s strategy to bolster relations with its international partners from across the globe along the Kingdom’s localisation journey, with the ultimate target of localising more than 50% of expenditure on defence equipment and services by the year 2030, it said.

 

Gasem Al-Maimani, GAMI Deputy Governor, Military Industry, stated that these two localisation projects are in further service of this promising sector’s national priorities. 

 

He noted that this project supports investment in building indigenous national capabilities, via empowering new and up-and-coming manufacturing entities, as well as leveraging the integration of efforts with large national companies, to secure their position of prominence globally. 

 

“For over 50 years, Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to Saudi Arabia, as the country continues its journey toward ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable future for its people,” said Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and Africa. “Along with state-of-the-art defense products and innovative solutions, Lockheed Martin is engaged with its Saudi partners across several capacity building programs that are formulated to contribute to the realization of the country’s development goals. This announcement will significantly boost global and regional security while supporting job creation and economic prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”  -TradeArabia News Service