The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its ambitious journey towards enhancing its strategic independence and building an integrated defense system. BAE Systems, in close collaboration with the Saudi-British Defense Cooperation Program, is making significant strides in this area. These efforts are undertaken in partnership with the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and under the direct supervision of the General Authority for Military Industries, with the aim of developing military capabilities and localizing defense industries, in line with the Kingdom's overarching national aspirations.
The depth of Saudi-British relations and the importance of localization
This partnership is based on a long and distinguished history of strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, spanning decades of cooperation in security and defense. This cooperation is no longer limited to traditional arms deals, but has evolved into an industrial and technological partnership aimed at knowledge transfer and technology localization. This transformation is of paramount importance in light of global geopolitical changes, as the localization of military industries contributes to strengthening national security, enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces, and reducing reliance on foreign imports—a cornerstone of the Kingdom's national defense strategy.
The Crown Prince's role in leading the military-industrial transformation
The final aircraft assembly program in the Kingdom is one of the most prominent fruits of this strategic partnership, a program that has enjoyed the support of the wise leadership since its inception. In 2017, at the Saudi-British Defense Cooperation Program facility at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Eastern Province, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the first advanced Hawk jet aircraft, assembled and with several of its parts manufactured entirely locally by Saudi hands. That moment marked a historic turning point in the trajectory of Saudi military industries, affirming the Kingdom's determination to possess advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Continuing these successes, the 22nd aircraft was delivered during the previous World Defence Exhibition, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defence, highlighting the sustainability of this program and its ability to expand and grow.
Local supply chains and record-breaking localization figures
The program's success extended beyond final assembly to include deepening local content in supply chains. It contributed to the local manufacturing of 33,000 internal and external aircraft components, with the active participation of 25 Saudi companies. This figure reflects the success of BAE Systems and the Saudi-British program in creating an integrated industrial environment that enables the Saudi private sector to participate in precision and complex industries.
In addition to the industrial impact, the program had an important legislative impact, which was represented in the establishment of integrated legislative references for the implementation of aircraft assembly projects locally, and the completion of the necessary protocols for certifying their flight, thus laying a solid regulatory foundation for future aviation projects in the Kingdom.
Human capital development: National talents take center stage
Data from the General Authority for Military Industries indicates that the sector is experiencing a genuine boom in employment, currently employing over 34,000 direct staff, with a Saudization rate approaching 63%. In this context, BAE Systems serves as a model to be emulated, employing over 7,000 people in the Kingdom, 80% of whom are Saudi nationals. Saudi engineers and technicians have acquired advanced expertise in assembly, testing, quality assurance, and flight testing, thus enhancing the sustainability of national talent and its ability to operate and maintain advanced systems to global standards.
Future prospects: From the skies to the high seas
The ambitions of cooperation extend beyond the air sector to include the maritime sector, where the company supports naval manufacturing and the transfer of engineering expertise in collaboration with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. This includes localizing 25% of naval maintenance and repair capabilities and training personnel through the Naval Technical Studies Institute. This integration between the air and maritime sectors underscores the comprehensiveness of the Saudi vision to build a strong and globally competitive defense industrial base, contributing effectively to achieving the economic and security objectives of Vision 2030.
