SAMI of KSA, Kia of South Korea sign MoU to boost Saudi military vehicle production NSN 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) (with South Korean automobile manufacturer, Kia Corp. at the World Defense Show 2024 being held in Riyadh city, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The agreement aims to strengthen SAMI Land Systems’ competencies, focused on building light tactical vehicles, through collaboration, research and development.
Kia, one of South Korea’s oldest vehicle manufacturers, has a proven track record of developing chassis for light tactical military vehicles and other land systems.
Through the agreement, SAMI aims to boost cooperation in the local production of military vehicles, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabia’s defense and security sector.
“As the Kingdom’s defense and security champion, SAMI is committed to strengthening its skills and competencies to build high-quality products within Saudi Arabia,” said SAMI CEO Walid Abukhaled.
“This is part of our strategy to deliver on the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize 50 percent of the Kingdom’s defense spending by 2030.
“Through the agreement with Kia Corp., we will build on our strengths in developing land systems products.”
Kim Ik-tae, Kia senior vice president, said the corporation “is a global mobility brand with extensive experience and high-level technological expertise not only in passenger vehicles but also in military vehicles.
“Through our 50 years of experience in manufacturing military vehicles, and alongside the collaboration tied during WDS 2024 with SAMI, Kia hopes to establish a new paradigm and system for Saudi military vehicles.
“Based on this partnership, Kia will continue to develop special vehicles based on our global leading mobility technologies to provide safe and reliable transportation at all circumstances.”
At WDS 2024, SAMI showcased its latest products and innovations in five defense sectors at its 3,000 sq. meter pavilion, including aerospace, defense systems, advanced electronics, land systems and naval combat systems. It aims to be among the top 25 defense companies in the world by 2030.