Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) plans to export weapons soon, following the company’s strategy to become one of the top 25 military firms by 2030, Arab News reported, citing Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of SAMI, Walid Abukhaled.

He added that the GCC nation aims to be an arm exporting country in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

“The opportunity to localize military equipment at all stages — from manufacturing, maintenance and support — is promising. We’re keen to design and build equipment inside the Kingdom with local minds and manpower,” Abukhaled said.

Abukhaled pointed out that SAMI is working on the initiative along with the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) to ensure the industry has the right atmosphere for companies to operate.

“The shortage of experience and manpower is one of the obstacles that can be overcome. I see it as an opportunity to attract the youth in the Kingdom to the defence industry,” the CSO added.

Abukhaled said that the supply chain of military companies is a major initiative to support the infrastructure of the industry.

As for future plans, Abukhaled asserted that SAMI is planning to be a global source of defence equipment.

“The Saudi defence budget is one of the largest in the world and demand for the Kingdom’s equipment is very high. We will satisfy the demand at home and with our allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council before we export to the world,” Abukhaled concluded.