Saudi Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated in Riyadh the third edition of the World Defense Show, organized by GAMI until February 12.
At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, the Defense Minister launched on Sunday SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, SAMI Land Industrial Complex, and the HEET Program.
He also unveiled the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN), the group's flagship supply chain program.
Prince Khalid and his South Korean counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development.
The agreement focuses on defense research, development, and innovation in advanced military technologies and systems.
The Saudi Defense Minister also signed three defense cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.
Furthermore, the National Industrial Development Center signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localizing the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.
Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom. They will study the creation of an engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and repair, alongside a supporting logistics network.
The agreement also covers technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers to invest in Saudi Arabia, and developing Saudi talent through educational and training partnerships with domestic institutions. It includes coordination with relevant authorities to examine procurement options, support the shift toward exports, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms to enhance project readiness and competitiveness.
GE Aerospace and the Middle East Propulsion Company Ltd. (MEPC) announced signing three new agreements to enhance operational readiness for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F110 fleet and build in-country capabilities.
Leveraging their decade-old partnership, are focused on the RSAF’s F110-129 engines and will also support F110-129 customers across the broader region.
These agreements represent Phase 3 of a long-term initiative, building on the success of similar Phase 1 and 2 agreements, which saw GE Aerospace providing repair and overhaul services support to MEPC.
The agreements seek to ensure sustained material supply and comprehensive maintenance and repair services support for the RSAF F110 Engine Structural Integrity Program (ENSIP).
They highlight the shared vision of both companies to advance the safety, efficiency, and operational excellence of defense aircraft in the wider Middle East.
MEPC Managing Director Mohammed Alnawkhani said: “These agreements represent the next phase of our strategic partnership with GE Aerospace and a major step forward in enhancing readiness for the RSAF F110 fleet.”
“Together, we are expanding in-Kingdom F110-129 sustainment capabilities, ensuring long-term material availability, and delivering the high standards of safety and performance required by our customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”
“This milestone also strengthens localization efforts in support of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to national industrial development and building sovereign aerospace sustainment capabilities,” he added.
Salim Mousallam, Vice President, Defense & Systems for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at GE Aerospace said that the enduring partnership with MEPC is a testament to the company’s shared vision of enhancing in-country capabilities and ensuring peak operational readiness through maximized availability for its customers.
“These agreements will significantly increase engine availability, streamline MRO processes, and directly support the RSAF’s critical missions. As a trusted partner to the Kingdom, we are proud to provide high-quality services to MEPC, reducing maintenance burden and service disruptions for their mission-critical F110 fleet,” he said.
Under the F110-129 Material Support Agreement, GE Aerospace will provide essential ENSIP Kits (F110-129 parts) to support MEPC in performing the necessary overhaul of RSAF F110-129 engines within the Kingdom.
The F110-129 repair and overhaul agreement further solidifies the provision of comprehensive repair and overhaul services specifically for the Royal Saudi Air Force fleet. GE Aerospace also signed a new F110-129 services agreement to extend critical repair and overhaul capabilities to support other F110 customers across the region.
