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Saudi Arabia signs defense manufacturing agreements with 3 Turkish companies

People visit FNSS stand with Pars Alpha visible during IDEF 2025, at the Istanbul Expo Center in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
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People visit FNSS stand with Pars Alpha visible during IDEF 2025, at the Istanbul Expo Center in Istanbul, Türkiye on July 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
August 12, 2025 02:04 PM GMT+03:00

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed manufacturing agreements with three leading Turkish defense companies to localize land systems production in the Kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives.

The agreements with Nurol Makina, FNSS Defense Systems, and Aselsan 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.

Technology transfer framework

The agreements were signed by the Executive Vice President of SAMI Land Mohammed bin Saud Alhodaib, during the IDEF 25 exhibition in Istanbul, Türkiye. Each agreement varies in scope with the ultimate goal of localizing SAMI Land's capabilities.

The FNSS Defense Systems agreement focuses on technology transfer and manufacturing of next-generation 8x8 armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets in Saudi Arabia. Based on published infographics, the agreement covers the PARS ALPHA 8x8 armored fighting vehicle, making Saudi Arabia the first export customer for this platform.

Individual company agreements

The Aselsan agreement covers technology transfer to localize the manufacturing of combat turret systems within Saudi Arabia. Company materials indicate the SARP 100/25 (NEFER) unmanned turret, which mounts a 25mm weapon, will be produced locally.

The Nurol Makina agreement focuses on technology transfer and the manufacturing of 4x4 military vehicles produced by the Turkish company.

The agreement appears to center on the Ejder Yalcin 4x4 tactical wheeled vehicle, which has been developed in multiple configurations, including APC, fire support, mortar carrier, and ambulance variants.

SAMI Land Industrial Complex

Technology transfer and manufacturing for all agreements will take place at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC), scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year. The facility will meet the highest international standards for land systems manufacturing.

The complex will serve as a center of excellence for manufacturing 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 armored vehicles, in addition to armed turrets. It operates according to Industry 4.0 framework requirements, utilizing artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics technologies to perform advanced unmanned operations managed by intelligent systems without direct human intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and quality.

The FNSS agreement will likely include production of the TEBER-II turret system if covering the company's latest 8x8 combat vehicle platform. The Aselsan SARP 100/25 turret is currently used with modernized ACV-15 armored fighting vehicles of the Turkish Army.

The Nurol Makina Ejder Yalcin has been exported to diverse customers and developed in configurations including anti-tank vehicles with SARP 120/M turrets for Ukraine and counter-unmanned aerial system vehicles.

August 12, 2025 02:19 PM GMT+03:00
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