11-05-2025
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.
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