Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the national defense and security champion and a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has successfully concluded its participation as the Platinum Sponsor of the first Aerospace Connect Forum. The event, held in Jeddah from February 24–25, 2025, was organized by the Industrial Center and co-hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Held under the patronage of Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, the forum served as a key platform for driving aerospace innovation, fostering international collaboration, and advancing localization efforts in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
The event was inaugurated by Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of GACA, and Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs. Both officials visited the SAMI pavilion, where the company showcased its aerospace division through subsidiaries including SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries, SAMI Figeac, SAMI Aerospace Mechanics, and SAMI AEC.
Showcasing Advanced Aerospace Capabilities
During the forum, SAMI Figeac presented its latest aerospace components, featuring precision-manufactured metal parts used in aircraft structures such as floor beams, wing ribs, and tailcone panels. The company also exhibited F-15SA pylons, which are essential for mounting external equipment such as fuel tanks beneath aircraft wings. These components are produced at SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries’ facilities, underscoring the company’s role in strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
Experts from SAMI’s various divisions took part in a panel discussion titled "Trends, Challenges, and Best Practices for Ensuring Aircraft Reliability and Safety." The discussion highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing local aerospace manufacturing and identifying new opportunities for sectoral growth.Strengthening Local Aerospace Manufacturing
As part of the event, Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, accompanied by SAMI CEO Eng. Thamer AlMuhid and a delegation of senior officials, toured the SAMI Aerospace Mechanics and SAMI Figeac Aero Manufacturing facilities. The visit provided an opportunity to assess technological advancements in manufacturing and explore Saudi Arabia’s expanding industrial capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The forum and SAMI’s active participation reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to localizing 50% of its defense spending by 2030, supporting economic diversification and technological development within the national defense sector.
About SAMI:Founded in May 2017, SAMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and operates in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The company aims to rank among the world’s top 25 defense industries by 2030 and plays a key role in achieving the Kingdom’s goal of localizing 50% of its defense spending.
SAMI specializes in the development of cutting-edge defense products and services across five business divisions: SAMI Aerospace, SAMI Land, SAMI Sea, SAMI Defense Systems, and SAMI Advanced Electronics. The company is focused on driving exports and attracting international investment to Saudi Arabia’s defense sector.