Celebrating Milestones: Lockheed Martin and AIC Steel’s Triumph in THAAD Launcher Manufacturing
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Missiles and Fire Control Chief Tim Cahill, joined by General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Deputy Assistant Nawaf Albawardi, and President Wasim Attieh of Arabian International Company for Steel Structures (AIC) recently gathered at AIC’s Jeddah site to evaluate the collaborative progress towards AIC’s ambitions in fabricating locally-sourced components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. During this visit, the assembly acknowledged the initial completion of home-manufactured components for the THAAD launcher, underscoring the ongoing partnership and significant achievements in regional production.
This achievement underscores AIC’s expertise in precision welding and the successful application of advanced manufacturing techniques. It carries substantial significance as it demonstrates how both organizations effectively worked together to bolster manufacturing capabilities, strengthening the nation’s defense industry while establishing an alternative source and enhancing resilience for the U.S. supply chain.
“This is a remarkable achievement for both the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as our countries endeavor to fulfill the Kingdom’s THAAD procurement,” remarked Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Through this initiative, we are not only supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthening regional defense capabilities but also creating high-quality manufacturing jobs in the United States, thereby bolstering the American defense industrial framework. This underscores the importance of our collaboration with AIC Steel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“Lockheed Martin has demonstrated to be an exceptional partner in providing the resources and training essential to enable and ultimately promote the localized production of this key component of the THAAD Weapon System,” commented AIC Steel President Wasim Attieh. “I look forward to our ongoing collaboration to secure a safer future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, I wish to convey my appreciation to the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) for their steadfast support throughout all stages of this initiative.”
THAAD is a combat-ready, highly sophisticated hit-to-kill missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles both within and beyond the earth’s atmosphere. THAAD offers a crucial layer of protection against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The system’s flight test success rate, proven combat reliability, and immediate operational capability continue to attract global attention in the air defense market.
