Saudi Arabia Orders 100 Civil And Military Helicopters From Airbus

Saudi Arabia has for several years changed its paradigm as a rich country that only buys expensive defense equipment without intending to take advantage of technology transfer from the producing country.

As recently, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with Airbus to produce civilian and military helicopters in King Salman's country, which it claims will be the first and largest project of its kind in the Middle East.

Quoted thenationalnews.com (19/6/2023), Saudi defense company Scopa Industries and Airbus will manufacture more than 100 helicopters in the kingdom.

Fawaz Al Akeel, the group's chief executive for defense and security sector Scopa, said the investment would exceed 25 billion riyals (equivalent to US$6.6 billion) over a 20 year period.

The project will kick off next February at the World Defense Exhibition in Riyadh and will provide more than 8,500 jobs.

The localization of the military industry will increase from 5 to 50 percent by 2030 and exceed 95 billion riyals.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spent 5.1 billion riyals to upgrade its military sector in 2021 and 2022.

The Kingdom aims to localize 50 percent of these opportunities by 2030, creating between 40,000 and 60,000 jobs.

Last year, Saudi Arabia's Military Industries signed a helicopter technology agreement with Airbus Helicopter Arabia.

CEO Sami Waleed Abukhalid said the agreement with Airbus would help support the group's technology projects and create jobs at home.

The company also signed a deal with Singapore-based ST Engineering in defense, technology and engineering.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense opened applications for a variety of military jobs for both men and women.

New positions created especially for Saudi women.

All applicants require a bachelor's degree and diploma. Men are also required to have an additional industrial high school diploma.

The Saudi Vision 2030 introduces social reforms and requires more work to be given to women in various fields.

Today more and more Saudi women are joining the Saudi Arabian Army, Royal Saudi Navy, Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Forces, Royal Saudi Air Defense and Armed Forces Medical Services.