Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has signed an executive plan for defense cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of National Defense.
The executive plan aims to promote collaboration between the defense ministries of both countries in various areas, such as defense capabilities, industries, research and development, production, and the exchange of experiences.
Further, it emphasizes bilateral cooperation in joint projects to transfer and localize technologies, support defense industries, and foster collaboration in research and development.
Furthermore, Saudi Defense Ministry has signed two acquisition contracts with Turkish defense firm Baykar. The executive plan for defense cooperation and the two acquisition contracts underscores the strong support of the Kingdom’s leadership for the Ministry of Defense.
They also reflect the ambitious plans to localize the military industries and strengthen the Kingdom’s defense capabilities.
These contracts will enable the Saudi Ministry to procure several drones. The primary aim of these contracts is to enhance the preparedness of the Armed Forces and strengthen the Kingdom’s defense capabilities and industries.
The acquisition contracts also prioritize the localization of the drone industry and its constituent systems within the Kingdom. National companies specializing in military and defense industries will actively participate in this localization effort.
“Additionally, the contracts encompass provisions for training, support services, technology and knowledge transfer, and the development of local capabilities. These endeavors are expected to create job opportunities for Saudi youth, enhance local capacities, and contribute to the Kingdom’s vision of localizing over 50 percent of total military spending by 2030,” as per the statement.
