GAMI, SAMI Sign Contract to Manufacture 'SkyGuard' UAV

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

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 Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
TT

Saudi Arabia Calls for Halting Violations Committed Against Palestinians

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission
Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Arabia Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah. Photo: Saudi Mission

Saudi Arabia has denounced all violations committed against the Palestinian people, with the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, predominantly women and children, in the Gaza Strip.

Head of the Human Rights Section at the Saudi Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Asya Baakdah, delivered on Wednesday the Kingdom’s statement during a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, reiterating Saudi Arabia's firm rejection of the tragic situation and stressing the urgent need to put an end to it.

Baakdah highlighted the Kingdom’s hosting of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which adopted resolutions showing the unified will of Arab and Islamic nations.

She underscored the summit’s plea for an end to bloodshed, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and the fulfillment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to reclaim their occupied territories and establish their independent state.

The diplomat said the Kingdom lauded the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on May 10, backing the eligibility of the Palestinian state for full membership in the United Nations.

Baakdah emphasized Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for actions taken by Norway, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Armenia in acknowledging the Palestinian state, while urging other nations to follow suit with bilateral recognition.

Recognizing the collective duty to actively support the realization of an independent Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia -- in collaboration with its partners in the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza Strip developments, as well as Norway and the European Union -- initiated a global alliance to push for the implementation of a two-state solution. The Kingdom calls upon all parties to join the initiative.