SAMI showcasing naval capabilities at Saudi International Maritime Forum

Showcasing its growing portfolio of naval systems and technologies, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is participating in the First Saudi International Maritime Forum 2019 (SIM) taking place from 24-26 November in Riyadh, under the patronage of H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). The Forum was inaugurated by His Excellency General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s military Chief of Staff, in the presence of His Excellency General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and His Excellency Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, President of the Transport General Authority. 

SAMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andreas Schwer, was invited as a speaker in the Opening Session of the Forum, which is being held under the theme ‘The importance of securing strategic sea routes.’ Dr. Schwer highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in all the domains of military and defense including maritime security. 

Dr. Schwer said: “A proof of concept of Saudi Vision 2030, SAMI has made rapid strides in its commitment to building a strong military industries ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. With naval systems being a core area of focus for us, we are actively engaged in the design, development, and manufacturing of technologies to the requirements of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with a significant emphasis on localization, providing them with stronger autonomy and military readiness. The Saudi International Maritime Forum is offering us a strategic opportunity to energize our endeavors for future growth and expansion.” 

As part of its participation, SAMI is showcasing an extensive range of cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions spanning across its four divisions, namely Aeronautics, Land Systems, Weapons and Missiles, and Defense Electronics. SAMI Navantia Naval Industries (SAMINavantia), a joint venture between SAMI and Navantia S.A. that aims to become a regional combat system integration leader, and Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), a SAMI company specializing in defense and aerospace, ICT, security, and energy industries, are also taking part in the SIM Forum under SAMI’s umbrella. 

On his part, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, CEO of AEC, said: “Securing strategic sea routes has increasingly become important for the Middle East, and AEC, as a leading player in the military and defense industry, has been actively contributing to the advancement of regional maritime security through providing cutting-edge solutions and services. With our participation in the Saudi International Maritime Forum, we have reinforced our commitment to bolstering Saudi Arabia’s capabilities and its pre-eminent position in the domain. The Forum offered us an excellent platform to showcase our offerings and gain deeper insights into emerging opportunities for product innovation.” 

On the opening day of the SIM Forum, SAMINavantia launched its first product, HAZEM. The first-ever Combat Management System (CMS) to be developed in the Middle East, HAZEM, has been designed to meet the requirements of the RSNF. 

The development of HAZEM was realized through the transfer of technology (ToT) from Navantia and SAMINavantia designed specifications as per RSNF’s requirements and based on Navantia’s CATIZ combat system. SAMINavantia carried out the procurement of sensors and effectors, system integration, and program management, as well as integrated logistics support (ILS) and training, to build the product within the Kingdom. 

Commenting on the launch, Antonio Rodriguez-Barberan, CEO of SAMINavantia, said: “With the unveiling of HAZEM, SAMINavantia has reached a new milestone in the pursuit of our overarching objectives to play a pivotal role in the formation of a thriving defense ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the localization of 50% of Kingdom’s total military spending as envisaged in the Vision 2030 program. The state-of-the-art CMS is a testimony to our capabilities in facilitating ToT to create OnTimeOnQualityOnCost products that will provide flexibility and autonomy and meet the varying needs of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).” 

Built as part of SAMINavantia’s mandate in the Avante 2200 project of SAMI and Navantia, HAZEM combines the Integrated Communication System, Fire Control System, and Integrated Platform Management System.

AEC is showcasing its extensive portfolio of military and defense products and solutions, including Fleet Management, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, and Cyber Security solutions and Unmanned Surface Vehicles at the event.