The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced on Monday the signing of an agreement and two memoranda of understanding between Saudi and Turkish companies, with the aim of localizing the manufacturing of drones and their associated systems.
The Saudi Press Agency “SPA” reported that this signing comes as a continuation of the acquisition agreements signed by the Saudi Ministry of Defense with the Turkish company “Baykar” for Defense Industries about two weeks ago, with the goal of enhancing the readiness of the armed forces and elevating the kingdom’s defense and manufacturing capabilities.
It added that the “Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)” company has signed a localization agreement with the Turkish company “Baykar” for Defense Industries, aiming to manufacture electronic systems, mechanical components, aircraft structures using composite materials, in addition to manufacturing, final flight testing, and providing training and support services.
The agency pointed out that the “National Mechanical Systems Company (NMS)” has also signed memoranda of understanding with the Turkish companies “Aselsan” and “Roketsan,” aiming to localize the production of munitions and optical sensors for drone systems and manufacture them within the kingdom.
SAMI company posted on social media platforms: “With pride and under the guidance of the Minister of Defense, we happily announce the signing of a strategic agreement to localize the production of the ‘Bayraktar Akinci’ drones and related systems with the Turkish company Baykar, within the kingdom.”
The company affirmed that this step will enhance its role in supporting the national defense industry and boosting local capabilities.
It added that the strategic localization agreement is a complementary step to the acquisition agreements signed by the Ministry of Defense with the Turkish company “Baykar,” with the aim of enhancing the readiness of the armed forces and strengthening the kingdom’s defense and manufacturing capabilities, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
In his speech during a ceremony held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Baykar noted a new chapter in the relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, indicating that this chapter will enhance cooperation between Ankara and Riyadh.
He added that countries that utilize modern technology do not just seek an advantage in this field, but establish stronger bonds with their allies within this framework.
He confirmed that they have been and continue to share modern technologies in the field of defense industries with their allied countries.
He emphasized that “Bayraktar Akinci” is not just an ordinary drone or aircraft, but an “intelligent flying robot” equipped with dozens of computers and a lot of artificial intelligence software.
He mentioned that the recent agreement between “Baykar” and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is not just a job opportunity for his company, but a platform that promises many opportunities in the future “within the context of national interests.”
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