Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Defense and Vice-Chairman of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Board of Directors, opened the 3rd World Defense Show, organized by GAMI, in Riyadh until February 12.
At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, the Minister of Defense on Sunday launched the SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, SAMI Land Industrial Park, and the HEET Program.
He also announced the group’s flagship supply chain program, the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN).
Prince Khalid and his South Korean counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the South Korean Defense Development Agency.
The agreement focuses on defense research, development, and innovation in advanced military technologies and systems.
The Saudi defense minister also signed three defense cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia and Somalia.
Additionally, the National Industrial Development Center signed a memorandum of cooperation with European aerospace company Airbus to explore opportunities for the development and localization of the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.
Under this MoU, the two countries aim to strengthen cooperation in establishing an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom. They will consider creating an engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and repair, alongside a supporting logistics network.
The agreement also includes the transfer of technology and knowledge, encouraging global suppliers to invest in Saudi Arabia, and developing Saudi talent through education and training partnerships with domestic institutions. This includes coordinating with relevant authorities to consider procurement options and consider incentives and financing mechanisms to support export transition and enhance project readiness and competitiveness.
GE Aerospace and Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) announced the signing of three new agreements to enhance the operational readiness of the Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F110 fleet and build domestic capabilities.
Leveraging the 10-year partnership, the company will focus on RSAF’s F110-129 engines and also support F110-129 customers in a wider region.
These contracts represent Phase 3 of a long-term effort that builds on the success of similar Phase 1 and 2 contracts in which GE Aerospace provides support for repair and overhaul services to MEPC.
The agreement is designed to ensure sustained material supply and comprehensive maintenance and repair service support for the RSAF F110 Engine Structural Integrity Program (ENSIP).
These underscore the companies’ shared vision to improve the safety, efficiency and operational excellence of defense aircraft across the wider Middle East region.
“These agreements represent the next step in our strategic partnership with GE Aerospace and are a major step forward in enhancing the readiness of the RSAF F110 force,” said Mohamed Al-Nawkani, MEPC Managing Director.
“Together, we will expand F110-129 sustainment capacity in the Kingdom, ensure long-term material availability, and deliver the high standards of safety and performance demanded by customers across the Kingdom and region.”
“This milestone also strengthens localization efforts in support of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to the development of the national industry and building sovereign aerospace sustainment capabilities,” he added.
Salim Mousallam, GE Aerospace vice president of defense and systems for the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye, said the enduring partnership with MEPC is a testament to the companies’ shared vision to strengthen domestic capabilities and maximize customer availability to ensure the best operational readiness.
“These agreements will significantly increase engine availability, streamline the MRO process, and directly support the RSAF’s critical mission. As a trusted partner of the Kingdom, we are proud to provide MEPC with high-quality services and reduce maintenance burdens and service interruptions for its mission-critical F110 fleet,” he said.
Under the F110-129 Material Support Agreement, GE Aerospace will provide essential ENSIP kits (F110-129 parts) to support the MEPC in carrying out the necessary overhaul of RSAF F110-129 engines within the Kingdom.
The F110-129 repair and overhaul agreement will further strengthen the provision of comprehensive repair and overhaul services specifically for the Saudi Air Force fleet. GE Aerospace also signed a new F110-129 service agreement to expand significant repair and overhaul capabilities to support other F110 customers across the region.
