Saudi Arabia signs deal with Leonardo to boost aerospace sector

Saudi Arabia’s aerospace sector is set to get a boost as the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment has signed a deal with Italy-based Leonardo.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh on Sunday.

Under the deal, the General Authority for Military Industries will collaborate with Leonardo to explore opportunities in the defense and aviation sectors.

According to a press statement, multiple areas of collaboration will be identified under the MoU which includes the space industry, airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, and localization of electronic warfare systems and radars and assembly.

“This signing represents an important opportunity to consolidate defense cooperation and strengthen a joint vision for future Combat Air operations,” said Stefano Pontecorvo, chairman of Leonardo.

He added: “It also represents a platform through which to jointly develop new technologies, through the experience and capabilities of the parties.”

Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo’s co-general manager, stated that the deal will help develop Saudi Arabia’s growth in the research and development areas of the defense sector.

“We’re extremely pleased with today’s achievement announcing this MoU with MISA and GAMI. It allows us to develop a thorough evaluation of new collaboration opportunities in a wide range of fields, leveraging over 50 years of Leonardo’s presence and strong cooperation in Saudi Arabia,” said Mariani.

He added: “We’re committed to working together to explore how we can strengthen our level of partnership with the Kingdom with high-tech solutions and localized R&D, industrial and service capabilities.”

The World Defense Show began in Riyadh on Sunday and will run through Feb. 8.

The event is expected to garner over 750 exhibitors from 77 countries set to emphasize future readiness in the sector.

Founded by GAMI, WDS serves as a global forum for innovation and technological discourse in the defense industry, covering five key domains: air, land, sea, space, and security.

The event will bring together military players, the Saudi leadership, and industry decision-makers with a key focus on the sector’s future.