GAMI, SAMI Sign Contract to Manufacture 'SkyGuard' UAV

The “SkyGuard” unmanned aerial vehicle.
The “SkyGuard” unmanned aerial vehicle.
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GAMI, SAMI Sign Contract to Manufacture 'SkyGuard' UAV

The “SkyGuard” unmanned aerial vehicle.
The “SkyGuard” unmanned aerial vehicle.

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) signed a contract with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) for the development and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicle “SkyGuard”.

The new contract aims to establish a leading foundational base for technological innovation, both regionally and internationally.

SAMI also signed an agreement with Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center (PSDSARC) to further develop “SkyGuard,” which is the outcome of numerous R&D efforts, contributing to the overarching goal of localizing over 50 percent of expenditure on defense equipment and services by the year 2030.

Governor of GAMI Ahmad al-Ohali, Vice Chairman of SAMI Ghassan al-Shibl, CEO of SAMI Walid Abukhaled, and several key executives from the two entities attended the signing ceremony.

Ohali asserted that the agreement is expected to add significant value by increasing military readiness within the Kingdom’s defense ecosystem and enhancing field responsiveness and technical support. It will also expand high-skilled job creation for Saudi human talent.

He noted that this new agreement is part of the framework for incentivizing localization in the Kingdom’s defense sector and supporting its Vision 2030 targets.

“Saudi Arabia today is laying the foundation for transformative change in this promising sector for generations to come.”

SAMI CEO Abukhaled reiterated that this signing marks a step amongst many in the Kingdom’s aspirational and inspiring localization journey.

Abukhaled noted the pertinence of this signing to building a robust local defense ecosystem comprising indigenous supply chains that satisfy our strategic need to be self-sufficient.



Saudi Arabia: No Limit to Aid for Syrian People

Two relief planes landed in Damascus on Wednesday, marking the first deliveries of its humanitarian air bridge. (SPA)
Two relief planes landed in Damascus on Wednesday, marking the first deliveries of its humanitarian air bridge. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia: No Limit to Aid for Syrian People

Two relief planes landed in Damascus on Wednesday, marking the first deliveries of its humanitarian air bridge. (SPA)
Two relief planes landed in Damascus on Wednesday, marking the first deliveries of its humanitarian air bridge. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has reiterated that there is no cap on the assistance it will provide to Syria, as two relief planes landed in Damascus on Wednesday and another on Thursday, marking the first deliveries of its humanitarian air bridge.
The planes transported 56 tons of various aid, including food, shelter, and medical supplies, accompanied by a team from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor to the Royal Court and supervisor general of KSrelief, announced that a land convoy will soon follow the air bridge in the coming days.
Dr. Samer Al-Jatili, spokesperson for KSrelief, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia’s relief efforts for the Syrian people under this aid initiative are “without limit.” He emphasized that the aid will continue until humanitarian needs are met and the situation stabilizes, in line with the directives of the Saudi leadership to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
Al-Jatili also revealed plans to send fuel-laden trucks to Syria via Jordan, with the fuel earmarked specifically for bakeries to help them sustain operations amid current challenges.
Saudi chargé d’affaires in Syria, Abdullah al-Haris, emphasized while receiving the first aid plane that this assistance extends Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts through KSrelief, aimed at easing the suffering of the Syrian people during the ongoing crisis.
Dr. Mohammed Bakleh, president of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, confirmed that the aid would be distributed to all those in need across Syria without discrimination.
Saudi Arabia has long supported the Syrian people, hosting 3 million Syrians since the crisis began in 2011. The Kingdom has offered essential services such as free education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, while facilitating their reintegration into society. It has also provided grants and humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians in neighboring countries and to those affected by the catastrophic earthquake that struck northern Syria in February 2023.
Statistics show that the Kingdom has delivered $856.891 million in aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024.