Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, announced today (January 28) that it has opened a software factory in Riyadh.
The move is aimed at bringing the company’s advanced software development ecosystem to the Kingdom, enabling the rapid development of sovereign software applications and supporting their integration into Lockheed Martin platforms and systems.
America’s defense giant is transforming its command and control capabilities through advanced software architectures, continuous integration and delivery pipelines, and distributed software factory models.
These efforts establish a flexible command and control environment that supports scalable tactical, operational, and strategic solutions.
This approach enables rapid integration of third-party applications while supporting host country development within a secure and interoperable command and control ecosystem.
“This is a powerful example of what Lockheed Martin can accomplish when we work closely with Saudi industry and academia to develop a world-class integrated command and control capability in the Kingdom,” said Joseph Rank, chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa.
“For more than 60 years, Lockheed Martin has partnered with Saudi Arabia to support deterrence and stability in the region. This software factory is one of several initiatives focused on building local capabilities and accelerating the transfer of advanced technology expertise, while supporting U.S. jobs and strengthening the resiliency and global reach of the U.S. defense industrial base,” he said.
The Software Factory is already being used to integrate and demonstrate new capabilities in collaboration with local industry. In less than two weeks, Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabian interns worked with engineers from Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Advanced Electronics to develop a solution that directly integrates commercial aircraft location data into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQTM common operational screen.
This rapid demonstration highlighted how local talent and industry collaboration can accelerate the delivery of mission-relevant digital capabilities.
“SAMI Advanced Electronics Company is committed to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s sovereign defense capabilities by deepening local engineering expertise and accelerating the delivery of mission-critical digital solutions,” said Eng. Ziad H. Al-Musallam, Chief Executive Officer of SAMI Advanced Electronics Company, said:
This effort builds on Lockheed Martin’s 60-year partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening deterrence and stability in the region.
Lockheed Martin continues to expand its partnerships with Saudi industry to enhance domestic production and sustainment, improve interoperability, and support future capability demonstrations with partners across the Saudi industrial base.
He added: “This partnership with Lockheed Martin’s Software Factory demonstrates how joint delivery teams can rapidly integrate advanced software into operational command and control environments while simultaneously transferring knowledge to Saudi talent and industry.”
Alongside the software factory, Lockheed Martin is establishing a talent studio in the country to develop the digital and enterprise capabilities of Saudi employees. Through a structured training pipeline, Saudi engineers gain hands-on experience in real enterprise environments and build mission-ready skills that align with national priorities.
The program includes two dedicated pathways, the Early Career Engineering Track and the Leadership Transition Track, each designed to develop top talent within a few months.
The initiative aims to graduate thousands of digital enterprise engineers and leaders from 2026, strengthening enterprise readiness and reducing long-term dependence on expatriate expertise, it added. -TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2026 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
