Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Partners with Kia Corp. to Strengthen Land Systems Capabilities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Military Industries and South Korean automobile manufacturer Kia Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding at the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday. The agreement aims to enhance SAMI Land Systems' competencies in building light tactical vehicles through collaboration, research, and development.

With a proven track record in developing chassis for light tactical military vehicles and other land systems, Kia brings its extensive expertise to bolster SAMI's capabilities. The agreement reinforces SAMI's commitment to boost local production of military vehicles, strengthening Saudi Arabia's defense and security sector.

CEO of SAMI, Walid Abukhaled, expressed the firm's dedication to building high-quality products within Saudi Arabia as part of their strategy to localize the country's defense spending. Abukhaled stated, "Through the agreement with Kia Corp., we will build on our strengths in developing land systems products."

Kim Ik-tae, Senior Vice President of Kia, highlighted the corporation's global mobility brand and extensive experience in both passenger and military vehicles. With 50 years of manufacturing military vehicles, Kia aims to establish a new paradigm and system for Saudi military vehicles through their collaboration with SAMI during WDS 2024. Kim further added, "Kia will continue to develop special vehicles based on our global leading mobility technologies to provide safe and reliable transportation at all circumstances."

The partnership between SAMI and Kia is expected to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia's defense industry and aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize a significant portion of the country's defense spending by the said year.

During the World Defense Show 2024, SAMI showcased its latest products and innovations in aerospace, defense systems, advanced electronics, land systems, and naval combat systems at its 3,000 sq. meter pavilion. SAMI aims to be among the top 25 defense companies globally by 2030.