Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company renowned for national defence and security, has recently formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil’s Embraer. This collaboration underscores a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing their aerospace capabilities, with a distinct emphasis on defence and security initiatives.
The primary focus of this agreement is to amplify the operational presence of SAMI and Embraer within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The endeavour centers on showcasing the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and providing essential support to the Ministry of Defence in Saudi Arabia.
The collaborative efforts between SAMI and Embraer will extend to the establishment of a comprehensive maintenance capability for Embraer aircraft within the Kingdom. Additionally, the two companies will explore the creation of a Regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Hub, a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, and the integration of mission systems – all situated within the Kingdom.
Integral to this partnership is the commitment to training activities, fostering the development of skills and expertise. This initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for both entities in the aerospace sector, not only within the Kingdom but also across the broader region.
Eng. Walid A Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, emphasizing its significance in expanding SAMI’s business scope and capabilities. He highlighted SAMI’s commitment to advancing the aerospace ecosystem in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to bolster the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in defence and contribute to the localization of defence spending.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President, and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, acknowledged the importance of the agreement as a foundational step in enhancing cooperation between the two nations in the realm of Defence and Security. The emphasis was placed on adding value to the local industry, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and ultimately, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In essence, this agreement aligns with SAMI’s broader strategy to empower local talents, resonating with the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 for the localization of the defence sector. The collaboration signifies a significant step toward achieving self-reliance and fostering expertise within the Kingdom’s aerospace industry.