Navigating Innovation: L3Harris Collaborates with Zamil Shipyards for Next-Level Maritime Automation
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has established a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its SAMI-L3Harris Joint Venture (JV) and Zamil Shipyards, a prominent maritime firm situated in Saudi Arabia. The MOU aims to enhance local maritime engineering by incorporating autonomous technologies into both present and forthcoming vessels. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries’ ambitions to promote localization for both domestic and international businesses in related sectors.
“This MOU marks a crucial advancement in our dedication to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with innovations in autonomous vehicles,” remarked Dave Johnson, Vice President, International, L3Harris, and Vice Chairman, SAMI-L3Harris JV. “By partnering with Zamil Shipyards, we are prepared to revolutionize maritime surveillance and operational efficiency through our joint venture and local industry insight.”
Zamil Shipyards will spearhead the design and construction of autonomous maritime platforms. SAMI-L3Harris will enhance this endeavor by leveraging its expertise in autonomous systems, sensors, and mission systems.
“We are thrilled to formalize this MOU to produce one of the first ‘Saudi Made’ unmanned surface vessels (USV). We anticipate that USVs could greatly transform how nations safeguard their borders, both above and beneath the ocean’s surface, in response to the increasing threat of unconventional warfare,” commented Alastair Bisset, General Manager, Zamil Shipyards. “Through this collaboration with SAMI-L3Harris, we aspire to develop a variety of modular solutions to offer a comprehensive suite of surveillance and defensive capabilities.”
The MOU is projected to culminate with a series of on-water demonstrations slated for 2025. These exhibitions will highlight the advancements achieved through collaborative endeavors and emphasize the strategic significance of this initiative.
