Leonardo signs MoU with Saudi Arabia
February 10, 2025
Aviation Business

Leonardo signs MoU with Saudi Arabia

To boost aerospace and defence

Leonardo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) of Saudi Arabia. The MoU focuses on expanding collaboration in the aerospace and defence sectors, marking a significant step forward in the companies’ long-standing partnership.

The latest agreement builds on an earlier MoU signed in early 2024, which explored various collaborative opportunities between Leonardo and Saudi Arabia. The 2024 agreement focused on the space industry, airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), the localisation of electronic warfare systems and radars, and the assembly of helicopters.

Particular emphasis was placed on combat air and cross-domain integration fields, industrialisation processes, and human capital development. The 2024 MoU also discussed creating a national supply chain within the country to support these industries while positioning Saudi Arabia as a key hub for Leonardo in the region and globally.

Following the implementation of the earlier MoU, the new agreement aims to further advance industrial collaboration between Leonardo and Saudi Arabia, with particular attention on combat air and helicopter technologies. Leonardo’s presence in the Arabian Gulf state spans several decades, during which it has supplied various platforms, systems, and services.

These range from passenger transport and energy support rotorcraft to advanced electronic systems, sensors, maritime defence technologies, and cyber capabilities. The company has also played an important role in Saudi Arabia’s air defence sector, contributing to the country’s strategic capabilities.

The renewed MoU reflects Leonardo’s commitment to reinforcing its operations in Saudi Arabia, where the company has established a headquarters. Leonardo aims to drive sustained development and production in Saudi Arabia through partnerships with local technological innovators, research institutions, and key end-users.

The agreement is also expected to contribute to the broader goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive reform plan that aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Vision 2030 seeks to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependency on oil and foster a more diverse and robust economy. By forging closer ties with global leaders in aerospace and defence, such as Leonardo, Saudi Arabia is looking to strengthen its technological capabilities, boost local industries, and create long-term, high-quality employment opportunities for its workforce.

Image: The latest MoU signals a deepening of Saudi Arabia’s ties with Italy. Credit: Leonardo

Arnold Pinto

Arnold Pinto

Arnold Pinto is an award-winning journalist with wide-ranging Middle East and Asia experience in the tech, aerospace, defence, luxury watchmaking, business, automotive, and fashion verticals. He is passionate about conserving endangered native wildlife globally. Arnold enjoys 4x4 off-roading, camping and exploring global destinations off the beaten track. Write to: arnold@menews247.com
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