SAMI opens land industrial complex, launches HEET vehicles and local content programme at World Defense Show

SPA

Riyadh, February 10 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) inaugurated the SAMI Land Industrial Complex at the World Defense Show and launched a new wheeled armoured vehicle line under the HEET Program, alongside a local content programme designed to build national defence supply chains.

The complex spans 82,000 square metres within an industrial area of one million square metres and operates in line with Industry 4.0 technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence, the internet of things and robotics to improve operational efficiency and production quality.

Positioned as a hub for local production, technology transfer and training, the facility is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs for Saudis and serve as a centre of excellence for the manufacture, testing and sustainment of wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles and turrets, with an annual capacity of up to 1,500 military vehicles.

HEET introduces 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles designed and manufactured in the Kingdom at the complex, with integrated command-and-control systems and optional manned or unmanned configurations. The vehicles are intended for rapid deployment across urban, desert and off-road environments.

SAMI unveiled its Local Content Program (RUKN) to connect suppliers from Tier 1 to Tier 4, including small and medium-sized enterprises across the Kingdom, within a localisation framework. RUKN is based on two tracks: increasing national production across the group’s product portfolio and integrating local content requirements into procurement, and reducing reliance on external supplies through a national production ecosystem.

In parallel, SAMI announced two specialised companies within its group: SAMI Land Company and SAMI Autonomous Company.

SAMI Land Company will develop land system capabilities and build integrated land solutions and systems aimed at enhancing armed forces readiness and meeting national defence and security requirements.

SAMI Autonomous Company will focus on autonomous systems and advanced control technologies, including unmanned aerial, maritime and land vehicles and systems, as well as robotics.

“These achievements … represent a pivotal milestone in SAMI Group’s journey,” group chief executive Thamer AlMuhid said, describing the specialised companies, the industrial complex, HEET and RUKN as interconnected elements within a single industrial model to localise technology, enhance readiness and build sustainable capabilities.

The World Defense Show is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and was inaugurated on his behalf by Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the minister of defence, deputy board chairman of the General Authority for Military Industries and chairman of SAMI’s board.