Lockheed Martin hosted an event in Riyadh to mark the 60th anniversary of its partnership with Saudi Arabia, bringing together senior representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), branches of the Saudi Armed Forces, and company executives. The partnership began in 1965 with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules aircraft and has since expanded across air, land, sea, and missile defense domains.
Frank St. John, Lockheed Martin’s chief operating officer, said:
“For sixty years, Lockheed Martin has been honored to stand alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a trusted defense partner. Our collaboration strengthens deterrence and stability in the region while developing local industry and advancing prosperity. What began with the arrival of the C-130 has evolved into a partnership that drives innovation, deepens interoperability, and delivers security benefits for the Kingdom and the United States alike.”
The event highlighted several ongoing initiatives aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, including:
Localization of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system components in cooperation with GAMI, AIC Steel, and Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC).
Establishment of Saudi Arabia’s first authorized C-130 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in partnership with SAMI Al-Salam Aerospace Industries.
Training and workforce development programs enabling Saudi technicians and engineers to assume advanced roles within the aerospace and defense sector.
Lockheed Martin recently joined the Regional Headquarters Program, expanding its investment footprint in the Kingdom. The company stated it aims to support defense industrialization efforts while creating economic opportunities in both countries.
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph Rank, chief executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa, said:
“Through local manufacturing, workforce development, and new capabilities, as well as establishing a regional headquarters, we are proud to support Saudi Arabia’s journey toward self-reliance. We remain fully committed to the Kingdom’s future ambitions while creating opportunities that sustain American industry.”
Earlier this year, personnel from the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces completed advanced THAAD training delivered by the company, a milestone in building operational readiness for air and missile defense systems.
Looking ahead, Lockheed Martin stated it will continue to collaborate with Saudi partners in areas such as research and development, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing to strengthen the Kingdom’s defense ecosystem and support broader regional security objectives.