Innovative Alliance: Saudi Arabia and Turkey Unite to Revolutionize Drone Production and Defense Technology
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declared on Monday the establishment of an accord along with two memoranda of understanding between Saudi and Turkish firms, aiming to localize the production of drones and their related systems.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that this accord is a continuation of the acquisition agreements made by the Saudi Ministry of Defense with the Turkish firm “Baykar” for Defense Industries approximately two weeks ago, focusing on bolstering the preparedness of the armed forces while enhancing the kingdom’s defense and production capabilities.
It revealed that the “Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)” organization has entered into a localization agreement with the Turkish company “Baykar” for Defense Industries, aiming to produce electronic systems, mechanical parts, and aircraft structures using composite substances. This includes the manufacturing, final flight evaluations, as well as the provision of training and support services.
The agency highlighted that the “National Mechanical Systems Company (NMS)” has also engaged in memoranda of understanding with the Turkish firms “Aselsan” and “Roketsan,” aiming to localize the fabrication of ammunition and optical sensors for drone systems and to produce them domestically.
The SAMI organization shared on social media: “With great pride and under the leadership of the Minister of Defense, we are excited to announce the signing of a strategic agreement to localize the production of the ‘Bayraktar Akinci’ drones and related systems with the Turkish firm Baykar, within our kingdom.”
The company asserted that this initiative will strengthen its role in fostering the national defense sector and enhancing local capabilities.
It stated that the strategic localization agreement serves as a complementary measure to the acquisition agreements signed by the Ministry of Defense with the Turkish firm “Baykar,” targeting the enhancement of the military’s readiness and fortifying the kingdom’s defense and manufacturing capabilities, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
During his address at a ceremony in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Baykar indicated a new phase in the relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, suggesting that this phase will foster cooperation between Ankara and Riyadh.
He further pointed out that nations that embrace advanced technology do not merely seek an edge in this domain but also cultivate stronger partnerships with their allies in this context.
He affirmed that they have consistently shared cutting-edge technologies in defense industries with their allied nations.
He highlighted that the “Bayraktar Akinci” is not merely an ordinary drone or aircraft, but an “intelligent flying robot” replete with numerous computers and sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities.
He mentioned that the recent deal between “Baykar” and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signifies not just a job opportunity for his firm, but a foundation promising numerous future prospects “within the scope of national interests.”
