Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) marked 2024 as a transformative year in the Kingdom's defense sector, spearheading unprecedented advances in national defense capabilities. Under the strategic guidance of newly appointed Chairman HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, SAMI has maintained its position as the 75th largest defense company globally while accelerating its trajectory toward becoming a top 25 global defense company by 2030.

The year was defined by milestone achievements that included the launch of Saudi Arabia's first domestically developed combat management system, strategic partnerships with global industry leaders, and significant workforce expansion to over 7,000 employees, 71% being Saudi nationals. These accomplishments demonstrate tangible progress toward Vision 2030's ambitious goal of localizing 50% of military spending and establishing the Kingdom as a global defense manufacturing hub.

SAMI's comprehensive approach to defense sector development in 2024 encompassed technology localization, capability enhancement, and talent development, supported by strategic international partnerships and active participation in major global defense forums. The company's successful implementation of this strategy has positioned it as a pivotal force in transforming Saudi Arabia from a defense importer into an emerging defense technology powerhouse.

World Defense Show 2024: SAMI Secures Landmark Partnerships

As the strategic national partner of World Defense Show 2024, SAMI dominated the global stage with an impressive display of domestically developed defense capabilities. The company's expansive pavilion showcased breakthrough innovations across its five divisions: SAMI Land, SAMI Aerospace, SAMI Sea, SAMI Advanced Electronics and SAMI Defense Systems.

The show proved to be a catalyst for strategic growth, with SAMI securing several game-changing partnerships. A landmark MoU with Barzan Holding – Qatar opened new avenues for cross-border defense collaboration, focusing on joint maintenance operations and strategic investment opportunities.

In a move to revolutionize military mobility, SAMI partnered with Kia to establish local manufacturing facilities for specialized military vehicles. Perhaps most significantly, a strategic alliance with STC was formed to modernize defense sector infrastructure, combining SAMI's military expertise with STC's advanced telecommunications capabilities to develop next-generation command and control systems.

Building on this success, SAMI has renewed its commitment as the national strategic partner for World Defense Show's 2026 edition, underlining its long-term commitment to advancing the Kingdom's defense sector.

SAMI-AEC: Pioneering Saudi Arabia's Tech Revolution

While all five of SAMI’s divisions made notable progress throughout the year, SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC) emerged as a powerhouse of technological innovation in 2024, spearheading the Kingdom's digital transformation with breakthrough developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart city solutions. With a workforce of over 3,400 employees – 85% being Saudi nationals – SAMI-AEC has become a testament to the Kingdom's growing technological capabilities.

SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC) celebrates a year of exceptional accomplishments in 2024, marked by a series of key achievements that reinforce its leadership in defense, aerospace, and digital technology. These include the renewal of several globally recognized certifications, such as CMMI Level 5, AS 9100 & AS 9110 Aerospace Certifications, and ISO 13485:2016 Certification, underscoring SAMI-AEC’s commitment to adhering to world-class standards. The company was also awarded its fourth consecutive Great Place to Work® Certification™ and received the prestigious SHRM MENA STAR Award for exceptional talent acquisition and retention strategies, recognizing its dedication to creating a positive workplace culture.

The division's landmark achievement came through its partnership with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), which licensed SAMI-AEC's revolutionary Raqeeb system. This AI-powered safety solution, already transforming operations within Aramco, represents a significant milestone in locally developed technology being adopted by global industry leaders.

At LEAP 2024, SAMI-AEC reinforced its market leadership by securing strategic agreements with technology giants including Aramco, ParagonID, Asas, and the Hail Region Development Authority. These partnerships are set to accelerate the development of advanced security solutions and smart city infrastructure across the Kingdom.

The division's technological prowess took center stage at the Global AI Summit, where it unveiled its most advanced innovations to date. The showcase included the sophisticated HEMA Surveillance System for enhanced security monitoring, alongside the next-generation Under Vehicle Scanning System (UVSS). SAMI-AEC also demonstrated its AI capabilities through the Linguistic Detection System for enhanced threat assessment and the Raqeeb system for comprehensive safety monitoring.

As strategic partner at the Future Aviation Forum 2024, SAMI-AEC demonstrated its aviation security expertise through advanced solutions including the Queue Management System and HEMA C2 platform. The division's subsequent presence at GITEX Global 2024 and the INTERPA conference further cemented its position as a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation.

These achievements mark SAMI-AEC as a crucial driver in realizing Vision 2030's goals, with its innovations now strengthening critical infrastructure and enhancing digital capabilities across the Kingdom.

Strategic Global Partnerships Accelerate SAMI's Technical Capabilities

SAMI's global footprint expanded significantly in 2024 through strategic partnerships that are reshaping Saudi Arabia's defense manufacturing landscape. In a series of groundbreaking agreements, SAMI secured three major partnerships with Turkish defense companies, marking a new era of cross-border collaboration. These partnerships encompass advanced manufacturing facilities, next-generation drone systems development, and the establishment of a pioneering center for space technologies, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of emerging defense innovations.

A defining moment came at the Farnborough Airshow 2024, where SAMI secured landmark agreements with industry giants Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopters to dramatically expand its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

The partnership with Lockheed Martin elevated SAMI Alsalam Aerospace to an elite status, making Saudi Arabia one of only 14 nations globally authorized to maintain and overhaul C-130 Hercules aircraft. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Airbus Helicopters established a comprehensive MRO hub that positions the Kingdom as a regional center of excellence for rotary-wing aircraft maintenance.

Strengthening Saudi Maritime and Aerospace Capabilities

SAMI marked groundbreaking developments in maritime defense systems and a historic agreement for aerospace technology transfer in 2024.

In a landmark move, SAMI secured a crucial role in the Ministry of Defense's agreement with Airbus for the A330 MRTT program, marking the Kingdom's first step into advanced aerial refueling capabilities. This strategic technology transfer positions Saudi Arabia among select nations with sophisticated air-to-air refueling expertise.

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum showcased SAMI's rapidly expanding maritime defense capabilities. The star of the exhibition was the Hazem Combat Management System, Saudi Arabia's first domestically developed integrated maritime security solution.

This achievement was complemented by the unveiling of cutting-edge autonomous systems, including an advanced unmanned surface vehicle control system developed in partnership with the Royal Saudi Navy. The forum also highlighted SAMI's comprehensive approach to maritime security through its state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Operations Center and the innovative Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS).

In a significant expansion of its maritime defense portfolio, SAMINavantia introduced the "HAZEM Lite CMS", a streamlined version of its flagship combat management system. This innovative solution, entirely developed by Saudi engineers, represents a perfect alignment with Vision 2030's localization goals while offering solutions for low and medium warfare vessels, as well as vessels with space restrictions.

The year culminated in a major victory for SAMINavantia, securing a strategic contract to equip three new Avante 2200 Corvettes for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with advanced combat systems. This follow-on to the successful Alsarawat project demonstrates the growing trust in SAMI's indigenous capabilities. As lead Combat System Integrator, SAMINavantia will implement its HAZEM Combat Management System alongside advanced sensors and effectors, significantly enhancing the RSNF's maritime defense capabilities.

SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries has received the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organizations (CAMO) Certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands, enhancing its competitive edge in global aircraft development and maintenance while positioning the company for future commercial ventures and long-term operational agreements.

These achievements underscore SAMI's evolution from a national initiative to a mature defense technology provider, capable of delivering sophisticated systems that match global standards while advancing the Kingdom's journey toward defense independence.

Building the Future: SAMI Leads Defense Sector Talent Development

SAMI's workforce transformation in 2024 stands as a testament to the Kingdom's growing defense capabilities, with over 7,000 employees now driving innovation across its divisions. The achievement of 71% Saudization, coupled with a significant rise in women holding leadership positions, marks a decisive shift in the defense sector's demographics. This diverse talent pool, representing the largest concentration of defense expertise in Saudi Arabia, is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of the Kingdom's military industrialization strategy.

The year marked several groundbreaking initiatives in technical education and leadership development. The launch of the Naval Systems Integration and Development (NSID) Center of Excellence – Saudi Arabia's first advanced naval systems facility – represents a quantum leap in maritime defense capabilities. This state-of-the-art center serves as both a research hub and training ground, fostering collaboration between SAMINavantia, universities, and industry partners in areas ranging from AI to advanced cybersecurity.

SAMI's commitment to developing future defense leaders took concrete form through two flagship programs launched in 2024. The SAMI Apprenticeship Program, developed in partnership with the Academy of Defense Industries (ADI), provides comprehensive technical training across critical disciplines including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and electronics engineering. Complementing this technical focus, the groundbreaking Women in Defense initiative, unveiled at World Defense Show 2024, is actively reshaping industry demographics by creating leadership pathways for women in the defense sector.

A key milestone in SAMI's workforce development was the graduation of the latest cohort from the SAMI Leadership Development Program "IGNITE". This intensive three-month program is designed to nurture the next generation of Saudi leaders. The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of a journey that equipped participants with the tools and insights to thrive in leadership roles.

SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries made significant strides in advancing national talent within the aerospace sector. In 2024, SAMI Alsalam introduced the first group of Saudi technical trainees for an in-house aircraft maintenance program. This initiative, following SAMI’s acquisition of Alsalam, is a key step in developing a skilled workforce to support the growth of the Kingdom’s defense and aerospace industries. Furthermore, SAMI Alsalam held a graduation ceremony for 27 trainees from the Royal Saudi Air Force and SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries.

SAMI also continued its efforts to support local businesses and promote defense industry localization through a collaborative visit organized with the LCGPA. This two-day visit allowed SAMI staff to enhance their understanding of the LCGPA's role in empowering local industries and services, while promoting greater collaboration within the Kingdom’s defense sector.

SAMI's commitment to technical excellence was further demonstrated through two high-impact workshops in 2024. The first focused on Software-Defined Radio (SDR) systems, bringing together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Defense, General Authority for Military Industries, and L3 Harris to advance sustainable SDR development and strengthen local supply chains. The second workshop, conducted in the United States, addressed Engineering Requirements for Navigation Systems for the Royal Saudi Air Force's C-130 fleet – the world's second-largest – marking a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom's aerospace maintenance capabilities.

These strategic investments in human capital development form the foundation of Saudi Arabia's future defense industrial base. By creating a skilled, diverse workforce capable of developing and maintaining advanced defense systems, SAMI is ensuring the sustainable growth of the Kingdom's defense sector for generations to come.

SAMI's Vision 2030 Milestone

As SAMI concludes a transformative 2024, the company’s remarkable progress – from securing strategic international partnerships to developing indigenous combat systems – has established it as both a national champion and an emerging global defense technology leader.

With a clear roadmap toward becoming a top 25 global defense company by 2030, SAMI is creating a new benchmark for defense industrialization in the region. The company's comprehensive strategy, combining technological innovation, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, has laid the groundwork for achieving its ambitious goal of localizing 50% of defense spending. This foundation, built on scalable technologies and sustainable practices, positions Saudi Arabia to transition from a defense importer to a global defense technology hub.

As SAMI enters 2025, the company is accelerating this transformation, reinforcing its role as the cornerstone of the Kingdom's defense sector and a key driver of national economic diversification.