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Arab News
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia inks Turkish defense deals to accelerate localization of land systems
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Military Industries has signed technology transfer-focused agreements with three leading Turkish defense firms to accelerate the localization of advanced land systems manufacturing in the Kingdom. The Public Investment Fund-owned group signed the deals with Nurol Makina, FNSS, and Aselsan under the patronage and presence of Khalid bin Hussein Al-Biyari, assistant minister of defense for executive affairs; Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries; and Haluk Gorgun, president of Turkiye's Defense Industries Agency, according to a statement. Driven by Vision 2030 goals, the Kingdom is pursuing defense self-sufficiency to reduce reliance on imports. At the forefront of this transformation is SAMI, established in 2017, with a mandate to localize 50 percent of the country's defense spending by the end of the decade through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with leading global manufacturers. 'The agreements were signed by Mohammed bin Saud Al-Hodaib, executive vice president of SAMI Land. Each of the recently signed agreements varies in scope and purpose, with the ultimate goal of localizing SAMI Land's capabilities.' SAMI said. It added that the first agreement with Nurol Makina focuses on technology transfer and the manufacturing of military vehicles produced by the Turkish company, while the deal with FNSS Defense Systems outlines cooperation on technology transfer and the production of armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets. 'SAMI Land will also leverage its agreement with ASELSAN (Askeri Elektronik Sanayi), for technology transfer to localize the manufacturing of combat turret systems within Saudi Arabia,' the statement said. Technology transfer and manufacturing under these agreements will take place at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex, or SLIC, which is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year and will adhere to the highest international standards for land systems manufacturing. 'It will serve as a center of excellence for the manufacturing of 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 armored vehicles, in addition to armed turrets.' SAMI said, adding that SLIC operates under Industry 4.0 standards, leveraging artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to carry out advanced unmanned operations managed by intelligent systems, thereby enhancing efficiency and quality without direct human intervention. The statement said that SAMI Land is committed to advancing the company's strategic objectives by supporting the localization of the Kingdom's defense industries through the development of advanced industrial capabilities and the delivery of high-quality products and services across the entire product lifecycle, meeting the needs of its clients. Al-Ohali inaugurated the Saudi pavilion at the International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF 2025, being held at the Istanbul Fair Center from July 22 to 27, as part of SAMI's expanding global presence. During the event, Al-Ohali met with Haluk Gorgun, where they discussed recent developments in the defense industry and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, reflecting the depth of strategic ties between the two countries and supporting the Kingdom's aspirations for more impactful partnerships in this vital sector. As part of GAMI's efforts to enhance localization, the Saudi pavilion at IDEF 2025 saw Al-Esnad Factory, a leading Saudi private facility specializing in military parts manufacturing, sign three memorandums of understanding with leading Turkish companies, including MDH Makel Group, AKSA Group, and Ayyazilim Co. 'These strategic partnerships reflect GAMI's efforts to enable the sector and transfer and localize technology,' the authority said in a post on X. Last July, SAMI signed MoUs with Turkish firms Baykar, Fergani Space, and Aselsan to localize capabilities in drones, aerospace, and advanced electronics, further strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and enhancing the Kingdom's industrial base.
Leaders
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Leaders
SAMI Boosts Localization of Land Systems Industry
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the Kingdom's premier national defense and security company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has signed key manufacturing agreements with three leading Turkish defense firms. The signings took place in the presence of Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, and President of the Turkish Defense Industries Agency Prof. Haluk Görgün. Strategic Agreements The agreements, signed by SAMI's Executive Vice President of Land Systems Eng. Mohammed bin Saud Alhodaib, are part of efforts to localize the land systems sector in Saudi Arabia: Nurol Makina : This agreement focuses on the transfer of technology and local manufacturing of military vehicles. : This agreement focuses on the transfer of technology and local manufacturing of military vehicles. FNSS Defense Systems : This partnership aims to localize production of armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets. : This partnership aims to localize production of armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets. ASELSAN: The agreement covers the transfer of technology and local manufacturing of turret systems, further strengthening combat vehicle capabilities. All technology transfer and manufacturing activities will be conducted at the upcoming SAMI Land Industrial Complex, scheduled to begin operations in Q4 of this year. Additionally, the facility is being developed to global standards and will serve as a center of excellence for producing 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 armored vehicles and armed turrets. Built to align with Industry 4.0 standards, the complex will incorporate artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics for advanced unmanned operations. Moreover, these intelligent systems will boost efficiency and elevate product quality. Driving Defense Industry Localization Through its Land Systems Division, SAMI is advancing the Kingdom's strategic vision to localize defense manufacturing. By building advanced industrial capabilities and delivering high-quality products and services across the lifecycle, SAMI is helping meet the operational needs of the Kingdom's armed forces while strengthening national defense self-sufficiency. Related Topics : SAMI-AEC Sponsors Best Graduation Project Award at King Saud University King Saud University Unveils 'Agreements' Platform to Enhance Global Competitiveness Saudi Students Clinch Spots at Prestigious US Science & Engineering Fair Short link : Post Views: 19
Malaysian Reserve
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Shiftconnector Artificial Manufacturing Intelligence by eschbach Wins Platinum Pinnacle Technology Award
AI-Powered Software Transforms Pharma & Chemical Manufacturing for Smarter, Safer Operations. BOSTON, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global software leader eschbach has won the prestigious Platinum Pinnacle Technology Award in the Productivity and Collaboration Tools category. This achievement underscores the revolutionary advancements of their Shiftconnector® platform, particularly the AI-driven Shiftconnector® Artificial Manufacturing Intelligence (SAMI®), which is transforming the process industry. The Pinnacle Technology Award recognizes groundbreaking developments and solutions that push the boundaries of innovation and enhance everyday experiences across industries. This prestigious honor celebrates those who are redefining how we work, connect, and solve problems through transformative technology. In the manufacturing sector, eschbach's Shiftconnector® stands out as a powerful example—enhancing the daily workflows of operators by making critical data more accessible, actionable, and intuitive than ever before. With its latest enhancements, SAMI transforms how pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing teams interact with operational data. By integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into a conversational interface, SAMI empowers users to ask questions in natural language and receive instant, contextual insights—dramatically improving decision-making speed and accuracy. 'By combining advanced AI with intuitive visualization tools, we've created a seamless way for teams to access and act on critical information,' said Andreas Eschbach, Founder and CEO of eschbach. 'This award validates our commitment to making manufacturing collaboration smarter, faster, and more human-centric.' Kate Lang, Executive Director of the Pinnacle Awards, emphasized eschbach's exceptional contribution: 'This award celebrates excellence in technology and leadership, particularly in how eschbach is redefining information access and problem-solving within manufacturing.' The enhanced SAMI chat feature liberates users from traditional, time-consuming interfaces. Instead of navigating complex reports, employees can simply ask, 'What happened during last night's shift?' and receive a clear, traceable summary of events and actions. Built on the robust capabilities of Smart Search and Smart Solutions, SAMI now delivers even greater precision, speed, and traceability—making it an indispensable tool for high-stakes environments in chemical and pharmaceutical production. About eschbachWith its global headquarters in Bad Säckingen, Germany and its North America headquarters in Boston, MA, eschbach is the premier enterprise software developer for plant process management. Shiftconnector's AI-driven technology helps manufacturing teams take charge of plant operations, process safety, asset performance, and product quality. eschbach serves process industries and supports digital transformation, helping managers, operators, and technicians to achieve the highest level of team communications. The award-winning solution is trusted worldwide by leading manufacturing companies such as DuPont, Albemarle, BASF, Roche, and Bayer. Media Contact – North AmericaDawn FontaineRipple Effect CommunicationsT: 617-536-8887dawn@
Arabian Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Thales Accelerates Gulf Defence Industrial Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai French defence and technology group Thales is deepening its strategic footprint across the Gulf by advancing plans to build a radar production facility in Saudi Arabia and an AI research centre in the UAE. At the Paris Airshow, Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice‑president of international development at Thales, confirmed discussions on expanding a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries beyond radar systems to encompass broader air‑defence and communications technologies in the kingdom. This marks a notable evolution in Gulf nations' ambition to embed themselves within global defence and technology supply chains. Saudi Arabia, the largest military spender in the Middle East in 2024 and seventh globally, logged outlays of approximately US $80.3 billion, sustained largely by strategic efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. Thales's radar factory would join several localisation initiatives already in motion, including radars, missile systems and counter‑drone technologies pursued by SAMI and its partners. ADVERTISEMENT In the UAE, Thales Emarat Technologies has committed to a dedicated factory producing its Ground Master air‑surveillance radar series under a cooperation agreement with Tawazun Council, struck in May. Set to be operational by 2027, the facility will handle assembly, testing and qualification for both domestic and export markets. The UAE deal includes broader vendor integration and talent development, with plans to deepen partnerships across the supply chain and nurture Emirati experts in aerospace and defence technologies. In parallel, Thales is pursuing the establishment of a cortAIx artificial intelligence research hub in Abu Dhabi—its first in the Middle East. With existing centres in Singapore, France, Canada and the UK, the UAE facility will co‑develop AI applications within defence systems, in close collaboration with end users such as the UAE Armed Forces. Sourisse noted that the centre aims to generate actionable insights from equipment data, aligning directly with client priorities on the ground. Strategically, Gulf nations are building sovereign industrial frameworks that reduce dependency on foreign armaments and strengthen regional autonomy. Saudi aims to localise half of its military procurement by 2030, supported by SAMI's network of joint ventures with global defence firms, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Thales. Likewise, the UAE is enhancing its industrial base via Tawazun Council and EDGE Group partnerships focused on smart weapons, missiles, radar systems and electro‑optic platforms. Thales stands to benefit significantly from these developments. Its factory investments in radar production and AI research secure long-term revenue streams, embed the group in critical national supply chains and grant access to lifecycle support contracts. An Ainvest analysis estimates the UAE radar factory alone could cost up to US $500 million, signalling both scale and investor confidence. Regionally, the spread of these initiatives could serve as a template for neighbouring states. With Gulf states increasingly aligned on defence self‑sufficiency, Thales may replicate its model with other partners beyond the UAE and Saudi, potentially in countries such as Qatar and Egypt. Academic research also underscores this growing industrial sophistication. Work published on AI‑augmented radar engineering highlights the utility of digital twin frameworks and machine‑learning algorithms in enhancing radar adaptability and performance, suggesting that Thales's cortAIx model reflects broader cutting‑edge trends. Commercially, localisation allows Gulf players to streamline supply‑chain logistics, support continuous operations—even during geopolitical tensions or sanctions—and catalyse export opportunities. Regionally, Thales's UAE‑based radar factory and proposed Saudi facility fit within a wider surge in Gulf defence industrialisation, spanning missile systems, drones, counter‑measures, air‑defence networks and electronic‑warfare platforms. End‑user demand for air surveillance, weapon systems, comms equipment and counter‑drone technologies has intensified. Thales's engagements align with this dynamic, suggesting ongoing growth in contract flow for its Gulf‑based defence facilities. Industry experts note that embedding AI within radars and systems will enhance detection accuracy and responsiveness, factors that both Gulf militaries and global buyers find increasingly compelling.
The National
03-07-2025
- Business
- The National
France's Thales eyes radar factory in Saudi Arabia and AI centre in UAE
French defence and technology group Thales is pursuing opportunities in Saudi Arabia for a radar production factory, and in the UAE for an AI research centre, as Gulf nations seek a role in global supply chains. Thales is seeking to expand a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) that was set up with the aim of localising defence production. "We have an intention to grow this joint venture to work, not only on radars, but more generally speaking on air defence," Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of international development at Thales, told The National on the sidelines of the Paris Airshow. "This joint venture should host the various activities we will have in Saudi Arabia … But I expect that there will be some work on communications systems." The move comes as Saudi Arabia strives to develop its own military production capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The strategy is intended to diversify its economy from a reliance on oil, create more jobs for Saudis, attract highly-skilled workers, prioritise technical know-how transfers and become part of the global industrial supply chains. Saudi Arabia was the largest military spender in the Middle East in 2024 and the seventh biggest worldwide, according to an April report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri). The kingdom recorded a modest military spending increase of 1.5 per cent, reaching an estimated $80.3 billion, but still 20 per cent lower than in 2015 when the country's oil revenue peaked. Ms Sourisse said it is "too early" to provide further details on the timeline and investment for a factory in Saudi Arabia. Thales' proposed plan in the kingdom will include local manufacturing, engineering and maintenance support services, similar to its agreement with the UAE, she said. The company's wholly-owned unit Thales Emarat Technologies will invest in a factory to produce Ground Master series air surveillance radars in the UAE, as part of an agreement with Tawazun Council. The factory, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027, will assemble, test and qualify advanced air surveillance radars for domestic use and to export markets, Thales said in a statement in May during the 'Make it in the Emirates' event in Abu Dhabi. The project is entirely funded by Thales, according to Ms Sourisse, who declined to provide the size of investment. The agreement includes co-operation with UAE companies to become part of Thales' supply chain, she added. AI research centre Now Thales is in discussions with the UAE to open an AI research centre in Abu Dhabi, according to Ms Sourisse. Thales' AI research centres, dubbed cortAIx, are currently set up in Singapore, France, Canada and Britain. This means the Abu Dhabi centre, if it goes ahead, will become the first of its kind in the Middle East. "Considering the number of equipment that we have in the UAE that will embed AI, it makes sense to set up a cortAIx centre in the UAE," Ms Sourisse said. While it is too early to firm up a timeline for establishing the centre, discussions are under way. "We are working on it, it's not yet announced … it's a bit early to say, but that is the direction we're heading. We also need to agree with customers like the UAE Armed Forces on how they want to proceed." The idea is to collaborate with military customers to work with them on use cases for AI applications in defence. "It is not only about setting up an AI competence centre, it's really establishing a partnership with users to work on use cases … they can directly tell us that this kind of information that we can derive from data-processing is the priority for them," Ms Sourisse said. Asked if the conflicts in the Middle East are accelerating Thales' discussions with customers in the region, the veteran executive said: "We are expecting an increase in the level of orders that we get in very many countries, in the region certainly, but not only [there]." "There's tensions in many areas of the world, so countries will continue to increase their investment in defence." The capabilities that are in high demand include air surveillance, air defence, weapon systems, communications systems, drones either used in offensive or defensive ways and counter-drones, she added.
