Riyadh, August 28, 2023: with the collaboration with the ministry of defense and the support of the General Authority of Military industry (GAMI), SAMI a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi Arabia's national champion of defense industries, is thrilled to announce its recent endeavors in strengthening the Saudi defense industries by inaugurating a new production line dedicated to software-defined multi-band radio systems (SDR’s). This production line, in collaboration with L3Harris Technologies and the SAMIL3Harris Joint Venture is set up at SAMI-AEC, a national leader for decades in the field of electronic manufacturing capabilities, who will produce these industry leading radio systems locally in Riyadh.
Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, spoke proudly of this partnership, emphasizing not only its role in bolstering ties with global defense industry pioneer L3Harris but also showcasing the company’s commitment to both entities to significantly advance local capacity in this key focus area. He further noted, "This venture is instrumental in our pursuit of the Saudi 2030 Vision's directive to localize 50% of the Kingdom's defense spending, which will also contribute to boosting the local content and our continues partnership with Royal Saudi Land Forces. SAMI is determined to provide cutting edge technology while growing and developing local talents and capabilities."
Eng. Ziad Al-Musallam, CEO of SAMI-AEC, reiterated the company's unwavering dedication to bolstering the Saudi defense manufacturing landscape via strategic alliances, with plans to broaden these collaborations. This approach aligns seamlessly with our vision to indigenize technologies tailored to the defense sector. He proudly highlighted the company's achievement in crafting the paramount component of the Software-defined Radio (SDR) systems and emphasized its pivotal role in amplifying the capabilities of the Saudi Royal Land Forces.
Echoing these sentiments Sam Mehta, President L3Harris Communications Systems, voiced strong support and pride for the unique collaboration, stating, "Our cooperation with SAMI by setting up a strategically important Joint Venture and teaming with SAMI-AEC for launching software-defined radio (SDR) production line, further strengthening a lasting partnership of over 40 years. L3Harris remains committed to collaborating with SAMI, championing their mission to fortify the Kingdom's military industrial domain."
SAMI and L3Harris embarked on a collaborative journey focused on Electro-optical and Infrared (EO/IR) technologies, alongside special mission systems within Saudi Arabia. Building on a strong relationship, the two entities have now inaugurated this latest venture, solidifying their mutual commitment to localizing the world’s best technology through persistent cooperation.
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