Arab News, Monday, Nov 18, 2019 | Rabi Al Awwal 21, 1441
Saudi companies display latest technologies at Dubai Airshow
Saudi Arabia: Over 25 Saudi
companies and government institutions are taking part in the Dubai Airshow
hoping to snag deals for their latest defense and aviation technologies being
showcased at the biennial event.
The Middle East’s biggest aviation gathering opened on Sunday sans major
announcements for big-ticket aircraft purchases from Gulf flagship carriers,
maybe also due to dozens of deals already been previously signed and the planes
just waiting to be delivered.
Among the major Saudi companies in the event include the Saudi Arabian Military
Industries (SAMI), fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, which has
operations from aeronautics, land systems, naval systems, weapons and missiles
and defense electronics.
SAMI aims to become among the top 25 companies globally by 2030 and to localize
military spending, in line with the Kingdom’s vision.
Among other notable Saudi companies and institutions with a presence at the
airshow are Saudi Airlines, flynas, The General Authority of Civil Aviation and
the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
Meanwhile, Saudi INTRA Defense Technologies signed a Memorandum of Agreement
with multinational defense company Hensoldt for the co-development and
co-production of advanced electro-optic systems, as well as a joint venture
agreement with EM&E for the transfer of technology and localization of the
precision mechanical industries in the Kingdom.
ESEN Saudi, a hi-tech defense and aerospace engineering and production company,
was also launched at the Dubai Airshow’s opening day.
Middle East Propulsion Company, which specializes in maintenance, repair and
operations (MRO) for the Middle East, was also one of the Saudi companies on
site. The company, which boasts of a workforce comprised of Saudi nationals of
about 80 percent, aims to expand their services across the GCC and wider Middle
East region.
Al-Salam Aerospace Industries meanwhile has on display latest advancements in
the manufacture of key components for the F-15 fighter jet.