Made in Saudi: First THAAD Components Completed in Jeddah
Saudi Arabia has successfully completed the first domestically manufactured components for the THAAD missile defense system launcher in Jeddah. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the Kingdom's efforts to localize its defense industry. The breakthrough was announced during a recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures, attended by senior defense officials and industry leaders.
Prominent attendees included Tim Cahill, president of missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin; Nawaf Al-Bawardi, assistant deputy of the General Authority for Military Industries; and Wasim Attieh, president of AIC. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in local manufacturing, following a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Lockheed Martin. This collaboration aims to enhance the Kingdom's capacity to produce critical Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) components domestically. Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 Goals
The achievement follows two contracts signed at the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh, part of a broader plan to localize missile system components. It builds on initiatives announced at the 2022 show to produce missile containers and launch platforms within Saudi Arabia. Lockheed Martin highlighted AIC's advanced manufacturing and precision welding capabilities as vital to this progress.
Lockheed Martin emphasized the importance of this development, noting the partnership's role in strengthening Saudi Arabia's defense industrial base and building supply chain resilience. Cahill expressed pride in the milestone, detailing its significance for both nations. He stated, 'This program supports Saudi Vision 2030, regional defense, and generates high-quality jobs in the US.'
Attieh praised Lockheed Martin's cooperation and commitment to the project, highlighting the company's support with tools and training. He said, 'I look forward to a safer future for Saudi Arabia and thank GAMI for its ongoing support.' Saudi Defense Manufacturing Growth
Saudi Arabia has steadily increased its defense manufacturing capabilities, raising military spending localization from 4% in 2018 to 19.35%. The Kingdom aims to exceed 50% by 2030, aligning with Vision 2030's goal of a self-sufficient defense sector. The collaboration with Lockheed Martin exemplifies these ambitions.
Lockheed Martin's THAAD system is a cutting-edge missile defense platform capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at various altitudes. It provides reliable protection against short, medium, and intermediate-range threats. The system has demonstrated a high success rate in tests and operational deployment.
The ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Lockheed Martin underscores the Kingdom's commitment to developing an independent military industrial base. It also reinforces its strategic alliances, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in defense innovation and self-reliance.
Short link :
Post Views: 19
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
33 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Could Cristiano Ronaldo join Al Hilal?
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns the Kingdom's four biggest football clubs — Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli — is reportedly engaged in high-stakes negotiations to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to remain in the Saudi Pro League. The discussions follow a cryptic message posted by the Portuguese superstar that hinted at a possible exit from Al Nassr. A PIF source told AFP that Ronaldo's top option is to join Al Hilal — Saudi Arabia's most decorated club — with a potential opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States on June 14. Al Ahli, reigning Asian champions, are also said to be in the mix. According to local media reports, Al Hilal has already greenlit a mega-deal to bring Ronaldo into their squad before the global tournament insiders say the move would unlock a war chest exceeding $400 million, enabling a full squad overhaul that could include releasing several foreign players and acquiring high-profile Saudi Al Hilal had previously dismissed the idea, citing concerns about disrupting the team's tactical structure, attitudes have shifted have intensified over the past three weeks, with the club now viewing Ronaldo as a financial and sporting catalyst capable of transforming their future officials are expected to make a final decision on Ronaldo's transfer early next a press conference on Thursday, Al Nassr's sporting director Fernando Hierro reaffirmed that Ronaldo's contract runs until June 30, and said the club is still working with all parties to reach a resolution."There is a lot of work happening behind the scenes," Hierro said. "Ronaldo is a phenomenon, and there's significant interest from fans in Saudi Arabia for him to stay."Ronaldo's cryptic Instagram post —'This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.'— sparked speculation after Al Nassr ended their season with a 3-2 defeat to Al loss cemented a third-place finish, denying them a spot in the AFC Champions League 40-year-old has yet to lift a domestic title with Al Nassr since joining in late 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth over €200 only silverware remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Despite the trophy drought, Ronaldo remains a potent force—finishing as the Saudi Pro League's top scorer for the second straight season with 25 from Al Hilal say the club would need to offload current stars like Malcom, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, and Aleksandar Mitrović to make space for Ronaldo. This reshuffle, coupled with targeted domestic signings, could usher in a new era for the capital club—but only if the budget windfall tied to Ronaldo's arrival is about Ronaldo's next move extends beyond Saudi Arabia. Clubs from Brazil, Mexico, and Europe have all been linked, though nothing official has to the intrigue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed there have been discussions to place Ronaldo with a Club World Cup participant."There are talks with clubs. Ronaldo may play—who knows?" Infantino told YouTube personality The Athletic reported that Ronaldo's representatives were displeased with Infantino's public remarks, emphasizing that no decision has been clear is that Ronaldo remains a central figure in Saudi football's global ambitions. His presence has helped lure other top-tier talents, though efforts to sign Lionel Messi fell short.
Leaders
4 hours ago
- Leaders
Acting Deputy Minister Opens Saudi Pavilion at HANNOVER MESSE in Istanbul
Eng. Albadr Fouda, Acting Deputy Minister for Industrial Enablement at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, inaugurated the Saudi pavilion at HANNOVER MESSE (World of Industry-WIN) 2025, currently taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye, and running through May 31. The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia's industrial transformation, showcasing cutting-edge smart technologies and innovative solutions while promoting investment opportunities across key industrial sectors. The ministry's participation coincides with the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center, a strategic initiative to accelerate smart transformation in industrial facilities through advanced manufacturing technologies—enhancing the global competitiveness of the Saudi industrial sector. Six core entities from the Kingdom's industrial and mining ecosystem are represented at the pavilion: the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Export Development Authority, National Industrial Development Center, Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones). Also present are the Ministry of Investment and Obeikan Investment Group. By engaging with global leaders in industrial automation, robotics, and AI, the ministry aims to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment in advanced technologies, and position the Kingdom as a global industrial hub—aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Moreover, in a strategic move to boost its international industrial profile, Saudi Arabia is set to host the next edition of HANNOVER MESSE in Riyadh in December 2025. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Showcases Latest Industrial Innovations at Hannover Messe 2025 Saudi Arabia to Spotlight Industrial Innovation at Hannover Messe 2025 Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025 to Kick Off in December IsDB Group Commemorates Golden Jubilee Celebration Short link : Post Views: 24
Argaam
5 hours ago
- Argaam
Hong Kong aims to deepen partnership with Saudi Arabia: Minister
Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan said the city seeks to strengthen its partnerships with the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia. During his participation in the Capital Markets Forum, attended by Argaam, Chan referred to growing cooperation with Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai in the fields of dual listings and the development of Shariah-compliant financial products. He highlighted ongoing efforts to connect Middle Eastern companies with global financing opportunities through the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, adding that the city aims to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through partnerships in infrastructure, professional services, and Islamic finance. Hong Kong's financial markets raised nearly HKD 76 billion ($9.7 billion) through initial public offerings year to date, representing nearly 90% of the total funds raised in 2024. Chan also indicated that the launch of the first Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) for government sukuk is a major milestone in this direction, stressing that Hong Kong can become a global hub for Islamic finance, thanks to a flexible regulatory environment and advanced financial services. Hong Kong continues to rely on openness and competitiveness in global supply chains, Chan said. He confirmed that the linked exchange rate system between the Hong Kong dollar and the US dollar will remain unchanged, noting that the city provided stability and confidence for more than four decades, with no intention to change it despite international economic challenges.
