NIMR Partners with Saudi Arabian Military Industries for Groundbreaking Collaboration

NIMR, the premier producer of combat-tested wheeled military vehicles, has officially signed a Collaboration Agreement with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a fully owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, to create a framework for future partnerships to explore prospects for the JAIS 4×4 vehicle in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was formalized during the ongoing International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021), which is being held until 25 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the NIMR Board, along with Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, executed the agreement in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Ahmed A. Alohali, Governor of the General Authorities for Military Industries (GAMI), His Excellency Turki bin Abdullah Al-Dakhil, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the UAE, His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and Managing Director of EDGE, alongside other prominent representatives from both organizations.

NIMR and SAMI have been in dialogue regarding the terms of a potential alliance – the Collaboration Agreement encapsulates this outcome. This agreement aims to lay the groundwork for a long-term joint initiative between the two organizations, allowing NIMR to license technology to the Kingdom, facilitating local production of the JAIS vehicle, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s supply chain capabilities. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the nation’s commitment to industrial localization and economic diversification.

The JAIS 4×4 faced multiple vehicles in challenging trials organized by SAMI and overseen by military specialists in Saudi Arabia. The exceptional performance of the battle-hardened platform during these trials has opened new avenues for the vehicle in Saudi Arabia.

On this momentous occasion, His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, CEO and Managing Director of EDGE, remarked: “Cultivating strategic alliances is a cornerstone of EDGE’s strategy, and we eagerly anticipate strengthening this commitment with our colleagues at SAMI. This agreement signifies the inaugural military collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and marks a significant advancement in enhancing the already strong ties between our nations.”

Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, stated: “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of our collective efforts from the past year as we finalize this agreement, which aims to transfer technology and expertise to Saudi Arabia’s defense manufacturing sector, bolstering the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of localizing over 50 percent of military equipment expenditures by 2030. SAMI has selected NIMR as its preferred local collaborator due to its strategic significance as a central facilitator of the Saudi Vision 2030. This initiative supports PIF’s endeavors through SAMI in bringing in state-of-the-art technology and knowledge, as well as forming key economic partnerships.”

His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the NIMR Board, expressed: “After a year filled with discussions, trials, and assessments, the feeling of accomplishment in signing this strategic agreement with SAMI is immense. We are privileged that this unique partnership marks the inception of a new chapter in collaboration within the military domain between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.”

The JAIS 4×4 is the future generation of mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, delivering vital equilibrium between firepower, survivability, and mobility for contemporary, conventional, and asymmetric operations. Crew survivability is reinforced by a ‘crew citadel’ protection system that has confirmed capabilities against mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ballistic threats.

NIMR operates within the Platforms & Systems cluster of EDGE, an advanced technology group catering to defense and beyond, ranking among the top 25 military suppliers globally.