New EDGE Group CEO says 2024 is the ‘year to catch up’ on deliveries, talks missile integration

New EDGE Group CEO says 2024 is the ‘year to catch up’ on deliveries, talks missile integration
New EDGE Group CEO says 2024 is the ‘year to catch up’ on deliveries, talks missile integration

Speaking at Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show, EDGE Group’s Hamad Al Marar told Breaking Defense provided updates on a number of EDGE iniatives, including a new deal with a Turkish drone maker.

China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia

China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia
China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia

The wide range of equipment on display by China was dominated by armed and unarmed drones, but also covered fighter jet models, air-to-air missiles, long-range air and missile defense systems, anti-tank and C4ISR kit.

L3Harris in ‘mature’ talks for regional HQ in Saudi Arabia as it looks to expand supply chain

L3Harris in ‘mature’ talks for regional HQ in Saudi Arabia as it looks to expand supply chain
L3Harris in ‘mature’ talks for regional HQ in Saudi Arabia as it looks to expand supply chain

L3Harris is also in the process of setting up an engineering center at joint venture laboratory where “we will be doing waveform development, crypto, and that type of niche technology that complements the production capabilities in Saudi Arabia.”

UAE’s NIMR debuts JAIS MK2 armored vehicle, tech transfer to Saudi Arabia ‘on track’

UAE’s NIMR debuts JAIS MK2 armored vehicle, tech transfer to Saudi Arabia ‘on track’
UAE’s NIMR debuts JAIS MK2 armored vehicle, tech transfer to Saudi Arabia ‘on track’

NIMR has teamed with Saudi Arabia’s SAMI to eventually locally produce the JAIS inside the Kingdom, NIMR CEO Abri du Plessis told Breaking Defense.

Boeing expects jump in international defense sales, with ‘good portion’ from Middle East: Colbert

Boeing expects jump in international defense sales, with ‘good portion’ from Middle East: Colbert
Boeing expects jump in international defense sales, with ‘good portion’ from Middle East: Colbert

At the Saudi defense show, Boeing defense president Ted Colbert spoke to Breaking Defense about potential future deals in the region — from interest in upgraded F-15s to Apaches and T-7 trainers — while navigating new Saudi production mandates.

Saudi Arabia ‘keen’ to join GCAP fighter program, but localization a must: GAMI governor

Saudi Arabia ‘keen’ to join GCAP fighter program, but localization a must: GAMI governor
Saudi Arabia ‘keen’ to join GCAP fighter program, but localization a must: GAMI governor

“I think [joining] the program [GCAP] is important to Saudi Arabia,” GAMI governor Ahmad Al-Ohali tells Breaking Defense.

French underwater drone swarm maker bids to reshape maritime surveillance missions

French underwater drone swarm maker bids to reshape maritime surveillance missions
French underwater drone swarm maker bids to reshape maritime surveillance missions

A company official told Breaking Defense that the micro AUV market is relatively niche, but new startups are beginning to pop up, and it’s likely a similar trend to the proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems and uncrewed ground combat systems will soon emerge in the naval domain.

Fincantieri launches modular FCx30 frigate concept, targets Saudi Arabia order

Fincantieri launches modular FCx30 frigate concept, targets Saudi Arabia order
Fincantieri launches modular FCx30 frigate concept, targets Saudi Arabia order

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero told Breaking Defense the modularity approach shortens production time against a general frigate market trend of 40 months, and he “strongly believes” Saudi Arabia stands as a key “addressable market” to secure a future FCx30 sale.

CEO for Saudi defense heavyweight SAMI talks Alsalam purchase, Turkish drones, global ambition

CEO for Saudi defense heavyweight SAMI talks Alsalam purchase, Turkish drones, global ambition
CEO for Saudi defense heavyweight SAMI talks Alsalam purchase, Turkish drones, global ambition

“Whether it’s a vehicle land vehicle, a futuristic UAV that is a concept, some C4I systems, C2 systems, smaller versions of UAVs, converting a manned boat to unmanned boat — we’ve done it, it’s us. The shift is already happening,” Saudi Arabian Military Industries CEO Walid Abukhaled told Breaking Defense.

Lockheed Martin strikes subcontractor deals in Saudi Arabia for local THAAD parts production

Lockheed Martin strikes subcontractor deals in Saudi Arabia for local THAAD parts production
Lockheed Martin strikes subcontractor deals in Saudi Arabia for local THAAD parts production

“There are currently only two production lines for these products: the original production line in the US, and now an additional source of supply here in the Kingdom,” Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Jason Reynolds told Breaking Defense.

South Africa’s Milkor ready to locally produce 380 UCAV for Saudi Arabia, pending procurement talks

South Africa’s Milkor ready to locally produce 380 UCAV for Saudi Arabia, pending procurement talks
South Africa’s Milkor ready to locally produce 380 UCAV for Saudi Arabia, pending procurement talks

Discussions with Saudi Arabia are part of wider efforts to expand business in the Middle East and Europe, which also includes a plan to “set up shop” in the United Arab Emirates, according to Milkor’s Harry Cassidy.

Saudi World Defense Show ‘heavily focused on the future,’ organizer says

Saudi World Defense Show ‘heavily focused on the future,’ organizer says
Saudi World Defense Show ‘heavily focused on the future,’ organizer says

“[WDS] presents a unique opportunity for international firms to get access to the Vision 2030 program,” CEO Andrew Pearcey told Breaking Defense.