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Lockheed Martin Completes First Saudi Produced THAAD Components

A recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) in Jeddah to announce the First Saudi Produced THAAD Components 
A recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) in Jeddah to announce the First Saudi Produced THAAD Components 
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Lockheed Martin Completes First Saudi Produced THAAD Components

A recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) in Jeddah to announce the First Saudi Produced THAAD Components 
A recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) in Jeddah to announce the First Saudi Produced THAAD Components 

The US Lockheed Martin company announced on Sunday that Saudi Arabia has completed the first domestically manufactured components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system launcher in Jeddah, marking a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to localize its defense industry.

The THAAD deal was a core part of the weapons sale offering presented by US President Donald Trump during his May 20 visit to Saudi Arabia in 2017.

The announcement was made during a recent meeting at Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures (AIC) in Jeddah, attended by Tim Cahill, president of missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin, General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Assistant Deputy Nawaf Albawardi, and Wasim Attieh, president of AIC.

The milestone reflects a growing collaboration between AIC and Lockheed Martin, aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The locally produced components were developed through precision welding and advanced manufacturing techniques, reinforcing both the Kingdom’s defense industrial base and the US supply chain by establishing a second source of production.

“This is a tremendous milestone for the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as our nations work to fulfill the Kingdom’s THAAD procurement,” said Tim Cahill. “Through this program, we're not only supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing regional defense capacity, but we’re also generating high-quality manufacturing jobs in the United States and strengthening the American defense industrial base.”

AIC Steel President Wasim Attieh praised the collaboration, saying, “Lockheed Martin has been an excellent partner in providing the tools and training necessary to prepare and ultimately advance the localized production of such a major component of the THAAD Weapon System.”

He added, “I look forward to working together to ensure a more secure future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

THAAD is a combat-proven missile defense system designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside and outside the earth’s atmosphere. Its operational readiness, flight test success, and proven performance continue to draw international interest.

 

 

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World Bank: New $250 Million Project to Kickstart Reconstruction in Lebanon

Cars and motorbikes drive near damaged buildings in Beirut southern suburbs, Lebanon June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Cars and motorbikes drive near damaged buildings in Beirut southern suburbs, Lebanon June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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World Bank: New $250 Million Project to Kickstart Reconstruction in Lebanon

Cars and motorbikes drive near damaged buildings in Beirut southern suburbs, Lebanon June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Cars and motorbikes drive near damaged buildings in Beirut southern suburbs, Lebanon June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved $250 million in financing for Lebanon to aid in the reconstruction of critical public infrastructure and the management of rubble in areas affected by the Israel-Hezbollah war.

“The Lebanon Emergency Assistance Project (LEAP) will prioritize and sequence interventions to maximize economic and social impact within the shortest timeframe and provide a phased approach to response, recovery and reconstruction,” the World Bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) of the impact of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah between October 8, 2023, and December 20, 2024, estimated total direct damages across 10 sectors at $7.2 billion, and reconstruction and recovery needs at $11 billion.

Damage to critical infrastructure and buildings that are critical to economic activity and to the health and safety of communities was estimated at $1.1 billion across the transport, water, energy, municipal services, education and health care sectors. Considering the scale of needs, the LEAP was designed to support restoration of public infrastructure and buildings, given this is a precondition to economic and social recovery.

“Given Lebanon’s large reconstruction needs, the LEAP is structured as a $1 billion scalable framework with an initial $250 million contribution from the World Bank and the ability to efficiently absorb additional financing—whether grants or loans—under a unified, government-led implementation structure that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and results,” said World Bank Middle East Division Director Jean-Christophe Carret.

“This framework offers a credible vehicle for development partners to align their support, alongside continued progress on the Government’s reform agenda, and maximize collective impact in support of Lebanon’s recovery and long-term reconstruction,” he added.

The WB financing will support immediate response activities required to accelerate recovery and create the conditions that favor a return to normality, including the safe and well-planned management of rubble that maximizes the reuse and recycling of rubble. Critical support will also be provided to the rapid repair and recovery of essential services, such as water, energy, transport, health, education and municipal services.

The LEAP framework will also support the reconstruction of severely damaged infrastructure, starting with designs and environment and social assessments financed through WB initial financing.

To ensure the Project’s operational readiness and its efficient and prompt implementation, the Lebanese government has undertaken critical reform measures in the project’s implementing agency, the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), the World Bank said in its statement.

The measures include the establishment of a complete and functional CDR Board of Directors and streamlining administrative and decision-making processing for the LEAP, in line with international best practices for emergency projects.