Lockheed Martin Hosts Specialized Suppliers Workshop to Strengthen Local Supply Chains
Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA, Oct. 06, 2021 – Lockheed Martin, the U.S.-based global defence leader, hosted a specialized suppliers workshop in Riyadh today. The one-day event lay the foundation for partnership opportunities with local companies operating in Saudi Arabia's aerospace and defense sector.
Representatives from the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI), the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), and several original equipment manufacturers, including Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), attended. Discussions focused on localization and how firms can work with Lockheed Martin to strengthen local defense supply chains by sharing expertise and training high-caliber Saudi nationals. Several specialized Saudi-owned small and medium-sized enterprises that aspire to manufacture products and components for the Kingdom's armed forces were also present.
Engineer Qassim bin Abdulghani Al Maimani, GAMI’s deputy governor for the Military Industries Sector, during his remarks, stressed that the authority is working diligently to build national capabilities and enhance the Kingdom’s efforts to localize more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030. He added that the authority is working with key stakeholders across the public and private sector, as well as foreign and local suppliers, to foster collaboration and achieve the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership. He further explained that GAMI has created a digital platform called the Military Industry Marketplace, which is open to local and international companies who wish to pursue investments or partnerships.
Topics covered during the event included a review of defense-oriented licensing processes and an overview of the Industrial Development Strategy presented by GAMI. The Ministry of Defense's localization and manufacturing requirements were also addressed, along with efforts to increase human capabilities and develop Saudi talent within the industry. An overview of capabilities and competencies that Lockheed Martin looks for in key suppliers was also discussed, in addition to potential contractual opportunities. Furthermore, a detailed summary of Lockheed Martin's business operations was presented, focusing on future manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and localization opportunities.
"Lockheed Martin has been present in the Kingdom for more than 50 years and is fully committed to Saudi Vision 2030 and to building up robust local defense capabilities. We have a long track record of transferring technologies and sharing expertise with Saudi Arabia and are working diligently to create high-quality jobs for the workforce. Saudi suppliers in the defense sector will be central to helping localize defense expenditure in the Kingdom, and we look forward to guiding them to success. There are also plenty of opportunities for these firms to grow and upskill their employees to eventually join the global supply chain for the aerospace and defense sector," said Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia.
