SAMI Teams Up with L3Harris Technologies for Exciting New Venture

Emphasizing its dedication to establishing a resilient domestic defense industry framework via international collaborations, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a fully owned branch of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has successfully inaugurated a novel joint venture (JV) with L3Harris Technologies, a leading global manufacturer of aerospace and defense systems.

The SAMI L3Harris Technologies partnership has been formed with the intent of propelling SAMI’s advancement by developing sophisticated communication, sensor, and integrated mission systems capabilities to bolster Saudi Arabia’s military and security forces.

The initiation of the JV, which covers the entire portfolio of L3Harris Technologies’ capabilities, was formalized through the signing of a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) by His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, and Christopher E. Kubasik, Vice Chairman, President, and COO of L3Harris Technologies, during the Paris Air Show in June 2019. The JV secured its commercial registration in August 2020 and is now fully operational.

Initially concentrating on the localization of L3Harris’ cutting-edge communication and sensor solutions, the JV will broaden its scope to incorporate primary contractor obligations for integrated mission systems and platforms, utilizing strong local industry alliances. Collectively, the two entities seek to collaborate in areas such as specialized operator and maintenance training; Transfer of Production (ToP); and Transfer of Technology (ToT) via research and development initiatives in sanctioned technologies.

Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, remarked: “We are excited to collaborate with a globally recognized entity like L3Harris Technologies for the inception of this joint venture, which unveils thrilling prospects for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and expertise to Saudi Arabia. Our partnership will further enhance the Kingdom’s military capabilities, facilitate its self-reliance, and generate high-quality employment opportunities for skilled Saudi professionals. I have complete faith in the abilities of the newly designated leadership team of the joint venture and wish them the utmost success in their missions as we persist in our commitment to achieving our overarching target of supporting the localization of over 50% of military equipment expenditure by 2030.”

Charles R. “CR” Davis, Vice President of L3Harris International, stated: “The initiation of this joint venture marks another significant milestone in our quest to establish a lasting footprint within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We eagerly anticipate ongoing collaboration with SAMI to aid them in enhancing the local defense industries of the Kingdom. Through this joint venture, we will harness L3Harris Technologies’ expertise in technological innovation alongside Saudi Arabia’s defense industry leader to deliver advanced military capabilities and top-tier research and development operations for the Kingdom.”

The SAMI L3Harris Technologies’ Board of Directors has appointed Hogan Wilson as Chief Executive Officer and Rayan Al Zamil as Chief Financial Officer of the new JV entity.

L3Harris Technologies stands as the pioneering U.S. defense enterprise to establish a registered and operational joint venture with SAMI. This collaboration paves the way for the localization of L3Harris Technologies’ world-class communication, sensor, and integrated mission systems across land, air, and maritime domains, aligning with SAMI’s mission to support the aspirations of Vision 2030.

Since its founding in 2017, SAMI has been spearheading Saudi Arabia’s initiative to cultivate a self-sufficient defense infrastructure through its rapidly expanding array of military products and services. SAMI plays a crucial role in bolstering PIF’s endeavors in localizing advanced technology and expertise, as well as forming strategic economic partnerships.