Commemorating Six Decades of Alliance: Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabia’s Enduring Partnership
Lockheed Martin Celebrates 60 Years of Partnership with Saudi Arabia
Lockheed Martin proudly commemorated the 60th anniversary of its strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a vibrant celebration held in Riyadh. This event honored six decades dedicated to enhancing national defense, fostering Saudi industry, and empowering local talent. The collaboration initiated in 1965 with the historic delivery of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, establishing a strong foundation for enduring cooperation.
Attendees included senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and all six branches of the Saudi Armed Forces: The Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Royal Saudi Land Forces, the Saudi Arabian National Guard, and the Presidency of State Security, alongside Lockheed Martin executives.
“For sixty years, Lockheed Martin has proudly stood beside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a trusted defense ally,” stated Frank St. John, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our alliance fortifies deterrence and stability in the region while nurturing local industry and enhancing prosperity. What started with the C-130 has matured into a partnership that catalyzes innovation, deepens interoperability, and delivers significant security advantages for both the Kingdom and the United States.”
The event showcased ongoing initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, which include:
- Localization of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system components in collaboration with GAMI, AIC Steel, and Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC).
- Establishment of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural authorized C-130 Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in partnership with SAMI Al-Salam Aerospace Industries.
- Comprehensive training programs designed to equip Saudi engineers and technicians for advanced roles in aerospace and defense.
Lockheed Martin recently joined the Regional Headquarters Program under Vision 2030, further solidifying its long-term commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense industrialization. This strategic move is set to generate mutual benefits for both the U.S. and Saudi economies.
“We are enthusiastic about the future,” expressed Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph Rank, Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa. “Through local manufacturing, workforce development, and the introduction of new capabilities, along with establishing a regional headquarters, we are eager to support Saudi Arabia’s journey toward self-reliance. We remain steadfastly committed to the Kingdom’s future ambitions while fostering opportunities that benefit American industry.”
Lockheed Martin continues to strengthen its alliances with Saudi industry, enhancing in-country production and support capabilities to foster resilience and interoperability of its systems. The company is dedicated to delivering engineering programs, internships, and mentorship initiatives, equipping Saudi men and women with the skills necessary to excel in aerospace, defense, and advanced technologies.
Earlier this year, three cohorts of Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces personnel completed advanced THAAD training programs led by Lockheed Martin, marking a significant achievement in building local expertise and operational readiness in air and missile defense.
The celebration of 60 Years of Partnership underscored Lockheed Martin’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia. Looking forward, the company aims to further enhance collaboration in research and development, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing, reinforcing the Kingdom’s defense ecosystem and contributing to regional security and stability.
