NIMR Joins Forces with SAMI to Forge Innovative Manufacturing Partnership
NIMR, a premier producer of battle-tested wheeled military vehicles, has today entered into a manufacturing license accord with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a fully owned branch of the Public Investment Fund, to facilitate technology transfer and enhance SAMI’s local industrial proficiency, allowing the fabrication of the renowned JAIS 4×4 vehicle within Saudi Arabia.
Subsequent to the initiation of the collaboration agreement at IDEX 2021, His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the NIMR Board, along with Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, progressed to this next phase of their alliance at the World Defense Show 2022 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Aimed at promoting local production of the JAIS vehicle, the defense procurement strategy between the two nations reflects a strong commitment to diversifying their economies, nurturing local expertise, and establishing cutting-edge industries.
His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei stated: “At NIMR, we experience a tremendous sense of accomplishment with the formalization of this licensing agreement and advancing to the next chapter of this pivotal partnership with our associates at SAMI. The outstanding performance of the combat-proven JAIS 4×4 vehicle has paved the way for this significant day. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations with our esteemed partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, remarked: “We are thrilled that this new agreement reinforces the collaboration between SAMI and NIMR. Through this manufacturing license accord, we at SAMI are making a substantial leap toward our objective of fostering world-class defense technologies and systems within Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Vision 2030 aim to localize 50 percent of the Kingdom’s military expenditure. Additionally, it will help augment the readiness of our national defense forces while generating new direct and indirect employment opportunities for Saudis.”
Abri du Plessis, CEO of NIMR, stated: “Cultivating strategic alliances is fundamental to NIMR’s approach – this marks a truly significant moment for us as we embark on the inaugural major defense procurement initiative between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.”
He further elaborated: “This landmark agreement illustrates our export capabilities and dedication to providing advanced products adhering to world-class standards. We are excited to build upon this synergy in fortifying the nation’s security and prosperity through defense, technology, and knowledge transfer initiatives.”
JAIS 4×4 represents the future era of mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, striking a vital equilibrium between firepower, protection, and maneuverability for modern, conventional, and asymmetric operations. Crew survivability relies on a robust ‘crew citadel’ protection mechanism that has effectively demonstrated its capabilities against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ballistic threats.
EDGE is a progressive technology consortium for defense and beyond, ranking among the top 25 military suppliers globally.
