Defense aircraft maintenance dominated the interests of Saudi companies at the World Defense Show (WDS) in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Companies emphasized efforts to commit to localizing defense industries and technical investment, at a time when cooperation agreements and memoranda of partnerships for building military ships and helicopter platforms were a prominent focus in deals signed on the WDS’ last day.
The four-day WDS 2022, which began on March 6, witnessed the signing of a deal between the Saudi-based Overhaul and Maintenance Company (OMC) and the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA).
OMC also signed another deal with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). Its deal with SDAIA aims to develop innovative geospatial products and services that contribute to enhancing local content and serving the Saudi market, to enhance the Kingdom's global position in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.
BAE Systems Saudi Arabia and SDAIA signed a deal to provide information technology services, cybersecurity services, as well as professional services and manpower for institutions.
A second deal was signed between the two. It aims to develop operational and technical capabilities, advance security operations centers and network security, as well as support data management analysis systems by participating with specialized experts, developing strategies for future improvement.
Abdulatif Al-Sheikh, CEO of OMC, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the company is continuing to localize the defense industry in the Kingdom, indicating that the company owns three companies in the defense field.
“Companies in Riyadh and Jeddah have invested in qualitative capabilities and national competencies working in training Saudi technicians through a package of training programs, most of which are internationally accredited by the European International Safety Organization,” Al-Sheikh told Asharq Al-Awsat.
International Systems Engineering (ISE) CEO Majid AlMuzairi told Asharq Al-Awsat that his company was working to expand the scope of its projects, in addition to signing many agreements and strategies with a number of government agencies and related companies on the sidelines of the WDS.
AlMuzairi stressed that cybersecurity is one of the Kingdom’s priorities and noted that ISE is launching a pivotal action plan in the digital transformation process.
He revealed the company's vision to be the first provider of information services and technology management for companies operating in the defense and national security sectors.
Saudi Maintenance and Supply Chain Management Company (SMSCMC) CEO Jeremy Charmak told Asharq Al-Awsat that his company is using its capabilities to push the local industry in the Kingdom, as it currently has eight branches, six of which are in Saudi Arabia.
He revealed that the Saudization rate at his company is up to 72%.
Charmak pointed out that SMSCMC is launching very important training programs in the transportation of sensitive and dangerous equipment and safety equipment, indicating that the company specializes in supply chains and logistics services, and was established in 2006.
International Maritime Industries (IMI) , the largest shipyard in the MENA region, has expanded its partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to enable the construction of naval vessels at its yard in Saudi Arabia.
The extension of the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IMI and HHI will lead to further cooperation between the two partners in areas including naval vessel research, development and construction, and the localization of engine manufacturing for naval ships in the kingdom.
It will also deliver further knowledge transfer through the training of IMI’s Saudi team members at HHI facilities, providing them with new skills and future career opportunities, as well as the development of further commercial relations, said a statement.
