audi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced two specialized companies within its group: SAMI Land Company and SAMI Autonomous Company. The company also announced the inauguration of the SAMI Land Industrial Complex, the launch of the HEET Program, and the launch of SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN), all as part of the World Defense Show.
The exhibition is held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and was inaugurated on his behalf by Minister of Defense, General Authority for Military Industries Deputy Board Chairman, and SAMI board chairman Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
In line with enhancing innovation in the defense industry, SAMI Autonomous Company will focus on autonomous systems and advanced control technologies to contribute to strengthening future defense and security capabilities through innovation and the development of advanced systems. These areas include the development of unmanned aerial, maritime, and land vehicles and systems, as well as robotics.
SAMI Land Company aims to develop land system capabilities and enhance the readiness of the armed forces by building integrated land solutions and systems that meet national defense and security requirements.
The launch of this specialized company is central to SAMI Group’s strategy to strengthen national capabilities in land platforms. The group plays a pivotal role in supporting the armed forces, which necessitates establishing an advanced manufacturing base operating according to the highest global standards.
The inauguration of the SAMI Land Industrial Complex marks a significant expansion of the Kingdom’s industrial and technological base and represents the largest fully integrated facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. Spanning 82,000 square meters within an industrial area of one million square meters, the complex operates in line with Industry 4.0 technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and robotics to enhance operational efficiency and production quality.
Serving as a national hub for local production, technology transfer, and training, the complex will create more than 1,000 high-quality jobs for Saudis and function as a center of excellence for the manufacture, testing, and sustainment of wheeled and tracked armored vehicles and turrets, with an annual capacity of up to 1,500 military vehicles.
The achievement underscores that building sustainable national capabilities relies on developing 100% Saudi-manufactured products and systems, thereby enhancing industrial sovereignty and raising defense readiness levels.
Moreover, the launch of the HEET Program introduces a new generation of 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles designed and manufactured in the Kingdom at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex, delivering high mobility, advanced protection, and mission adaptability for modern security and defense operations, with rapid deployment capability across urban, desert, and off-road environments and integrated command-and-control systems with optional manned or unmanned configurations.
SAMI unveiled its Local Content Program (RUKN), which aims to build national defense supply chains connecting suppliers at all levels — from Tier 1 to Tier 4 — as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Kingdom. The program ensures the empowerment of local suppliers, supports SMEs, and aligns the efforts of relevant national entities within an integrated and comprehensive localization framework.
The RUKN is based on two strategic tracks to develop the local industrial base: the first track focuses on increasing national production across the company’s product portfolio and integrating local content requirements into procurement processes, while the second track aims to enhance sectoral independence by reducing reliance on external supplies through the engagement of a national production ecosystem.
SAMI Group chief executive Eng. Thamer AlMuhid stated that these achievements, beginning with the launch of the new specialized companies by Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, represent a pivotal milestone in SAMI Group’s journey. They reflect the transition from capability building to establishing an integrated national defense system managed through design, execution, and governance, he noted.
He indicated that the launch of specialized companies and the inauguration of the SAMI Land Industrial Complex, the HEET Program, and SAMI’s RUKN are not separate initiatives but interconnected elements within a single industrial model aimed at localizing technology, enhancing readiness, and building sustainable capabilities within the Kingdom.
Eng. AlMuhid stated that through this model, SAMI continues to expand its industrial capacities, deepen national supply chains, and empower Saudi talent, strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a leading regional and global defense and security industrial hub.
He added that, as a strategic national partner of the World Defense Show 2026 for the third consecutive time, SAMI Group reinforces its position as a leading national partner for the Kingdom’s defense and security sector by continuing its efforts to enhance sovereign capabilities, accelerate localization, and shape the future of the Saudi defense ecosystem.
At the World Defense Show, the SAMI group is showcasing its latest technologies across all subsidiaries and launching strategic partnerships and localization initiatives, reflecting SAMI’s growing role in supporting and developing the national defense system.
Source: SPA