Saudi Arabia set to meet localization goals in military industries pre-2030: GAMI Governor

Ahmed Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), said local and international companies operating in the Kingdom are deemed key pillars in the localization efforts.

GAMI plays the role of organizer, supporter and catalyst for the sector, while the grunt work remains in their remit, Al-Ohali highlighted as he addressed the press on the sidelines of the launch of BAE Systems Arabian Industries Co. — the resulting entity of a merger between BAE Systems Saudi Development & Training Co. and the Saudi Maintenance & Supply Chain Management Co. (SMSCMC).

The launch of the new entity, according to Al-Ohali, marks a qualitative and strategic step towards bolstering military industries in the Kingdom. It is bound to maximize the capabilities of the sector and achieve its goals, he further stated, stressing that GAMI provides full support for such initiatives.

He also pointed out that the localization rate in military industries reached 19.35% by the end of 2023. The final 2024 ratio is slated to be announced soon, Al-Ohali underlined, expressing his optimism to meeting the sector’s localization goals before 2030.

The jump in the localization rate from 4% to nearly 20% was due to a clear strategic vision, leadership support, and synergy among concerned parties, including military and security authorities as well as local and international companies, said the official, adding that the next goal is to exceed 50% by 2030.

As for efforts to develop the local military industry, Saudi Arabia has witnessed progress in localizing the maintenance of air, land and sea systems, in addition to the manufacturing of spare parts and quality systems in the Kingdom, not to mention cultivating competent national cadres.