SAMI and Embraer Forge New Alliance to Strengthen Saudi-Brazil Defense Collaboration
SAMI, the national advocate for defense and security, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, along with Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3), formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to initiate partnership in their respective aerospace sectors, focusing on defense and security.
This pact is designed to enhance the operational presence of both entities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with an emphasis on advancing the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and providing support to the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense. SAMI and Embraer aim to establish an extensive maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the companies will investigate a Regional MRO Hub and a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, along with mission system integration within the Kingdom. Additionally, SAMI and Embraer will partake in training initiatives, which will open new avenues for both firms across the aerospace industry in the Kingdom and the broader region.
Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled, SAMI’s Chief Executive Officer, remarked: “We are thrilled to have formalized this agreement with Embraer, introducing new support and production facilities to the Kingdom. This expansion of our business domain and capabilities underscores SAMI’s commitment to fostering and enhancing the development of the aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom. It represents another significant milestone in SAMI’s endeavors in support of the Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to bolster the Kingdom’s self-reliance in the defense sector and contribute to the localization of 50% of defense expenditure in the Kingdom by 2030.”
“Although this enhancement of our MRO capabilities is vital, the crux of this agreement lies in the establishment of collaborative training initiatives, geared towards nurturing Saudi talent and facilitating the transfer of essential skills within the aerospace domain.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Defense & Security, remarked: “We are excited to formalize this agreement with SAMI. This marks the initial stride towards enhancing collaboration in Defense and Security, incorporating production chains between our two nations. With this Memorandum of Understanding, Embraer takes a significant step into a strategic marketplace. We are committed to creating value for the local industry, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The agreement will bolster SAMI’s initiatives in empowering local talent and contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030 objective of localizing the defense industry within the Kingdom.
