Malaysia aims to learn from Saudi Arabia’s defence industry model to strengthen its own capabilities and reduce foreign dependence.
RIYADH: Malaysia aims to study Saudi Arabia’s model for developing its local defence industry.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to Saudi Arabian Military Industries provides an opportunity to study approaches to strengthen defence capabilities.
“We can indeed learn a great deal from SAMI’s efforts,” he told Bernama.
“National security and defence are closely linked to sovereignty.”
Mohamed Khaled accompanied Sultan Ibrahim on the visit during His Majesty’s four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia.
Also accompanying the King were his sons Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj and Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj.
Mohamed Khaled said the visit allowed observation of aeronautical capabilities and local air asset maintenance efforts.
“The Saudi Arabian government has a policy requiring that 50% of the country’s defence needs be fulfilled domestically.”
SAMI is a key initiative to reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment and ensure self-reliance.
Established in 2017, SAMI aims to advance Saudi Arabia’s defence industry strategy by localising military manufacturing.
It operates through five main sector units: aviation and space, defence systems, advanced electronics, land systems and marine systems.
SAMI has achieved several major milestones aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s self-sufficiency in military industries. – Bernama
