Leonardo DRS said it will collaborate with Saudi Arabia to develop new aerospace and defense capabilities. The Italian company announced the partnership at the World Defence Show in Riyadh on Sunday.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties, the partnership will explore investment and collaboration opportunities in the kingdom’s supply chain and potential support for Leonardo’s projects in the Middle East. According to the MOU, the effort will help Saudi Arabia develop its defense manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement supports cooperation in the space industry, airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, electronic warfare systems, helicopter assembly, uncrewed systems, integrated sensors, digital technologies, industrialization processes and human capital development.
Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo’s co-general manager, said in a statement that the latest agreement allows the company to take its longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia to new growth areas.
“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,” he added.
The objectives of the partnership with the defense contractor align well with Riyadh’s Vision 2030 road map for economic diversification, global engagement and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.