Saudi Arabia Strengthens Defence Ties with Turkey

State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed three MOUs with Turkish companies to boost the localisation of defence industries in Saudi Arabia. Agreements were made with Baykar for UAV manufacturing, Aselsan for defence electronics, and Fergani Space for emerging technologies, enhancing defence and space sector collaborations.

State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) said early on Thursday it signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Turkish companies to "support the localisation of defence industries" in the kingdom.

In a statement, SAMI said it agreed with Turkey's drone maker Baykar to "establish manufacturing capabilities" and develop systems for Baykar's unmanned aerial vehicles in Saudi Arabia. It also agreed with Turkish aerospace and defence company Aselsan to explore opportunities for developing defence electronics technologies in the kingdom.

In addition, SAMI signed a preliminary agreement with Turkey's Fergani Space for the "development of emerging technologies in the kingdom to serve the global space sector," the statement said.