Defense manufacturing arrangements inked with three Turkish firms by Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed manufacturing agreements with Nurol Makina, FNSS Defense Systems, and Aselsan to localize land systems production in Saudi Arabia, supporting the country's Vision 2030 objectives. These agreements are part of Saudi Arabia's effort to achieve defense self-sufficiency.
Nurol Makina Agreement
The agreement with Nurol Makina focuses on technology transfer and manufacturing of the Ejder Yalcin 4x4 tactical wheeled vehicle. This vehicle is available in multiple configurations, including APC, fire support, mortar carrier, and ambulance variants. The Ejder Yalcin has been developed for various roles, including anti-tank vehicles with SARP 120/M turrets for customers like Ukraine and counter-unmanned aerial system vehicles.
FNSS Defense Systems Agreement
The agreement with FNSS Defense Systems covers technology transfer and the production of armored combat vehicles along with weapon turrets. It likely includes the production of the TEBER-II turret system, which is part of FNSS's latest 8x8 combat vehicle platform. The agreement may involve manufacturing turrets compatible with modernized armored fighting vehicles, similar to those used by the Turkish military.
Aselsan Agreement
The agreement between SAMI and Aselsan aims at technology transfer to localize the manufacturing of combat turret systems within Saudi Arabia. Aselsan's SARP 100/25 turret is currently used with modernized ACV-15 armored fighting vehicles of the Turkish Army. Under this agreement, the SARP 100/25 (NEFER) unmanned turret, which mounts a 25mm weapon, will be produced locally.
Manufacturing and Localization
All technology transfer and manufacturing activities under these agreements will take place at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC), which is set to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. The SLIC will incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, to enhance operational efficiency and quality by managing advanced unmanned operations.
Strategic Objectives
These agreements are aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, aiming to reduce reliance on defense imports by localizing 50% of the country's defense spending through partnerships with global manufacturers. By localizing advanced land systems manufacturing, SAMI aims to develop advanced industrial capabilities and deliver high-quality products and services throughout the product lifecycle.
The agreements were signed under the patronage of Khalid bin Hussein al-Biyari, assistant minister of defense for executive affairs and Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), with Professor Haluk Gorgun, head of the Turkish Defense Industries (SSB), in attendance.
[1] Saudi Arabian Military Industries [2] Nurol Makina [3] FNSS Defense Systems [4] Aselsan
- The Turkish companies Aselsan and Nurol Makina, as well as FNSS Defense Systems, have agreed to collaborate with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to localize the production of combat turret systems and armored combat vehicles in Turkiye, with the intention of these technologies being transferred to Saudi Arabia.
- In the agreement with Nurol Makina, the focus is on manufacturing the Ejder Yalcin 4x4 tactical wheeled vehicle, which is available in multiple configurations for various roles, such as anti-tank vehicles and counter-unmanned aerial system vehicles.
- The partnership between SAMI and Aselsan is aimed at the localization of the production of the SARP 100/25 (NEFER) unmanned turret in Saudi Arabia, a technology that is currently used with modernized armored fighting vehicles in the Turkish Army.
