The Saudi defense industry is hard at work localizing and home-growing domestic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). On the one hand, the Saudi domestic UAV programs cater to Vision 2030, which calls for localizing 50% of defense spending by the decade's end. On the other hand, they are a direct response to the Saudi military’s tactical requirement for UAVs, especially in the context of the war in Yemen.
In 2023, at least five major Saudi entities are developing drone programs in the Kingdom, including the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). Over nine domestic drone programs have matured in the past years, servicing multiple UAV groups and market segments demanded by the Saudi Armed Forces.
Our two-part in-depth report series assesses nine major Saudi drone development programs. This includes their technical specifications, foreign assistance, and status.
Our 1,089-word report provides an overview of the Saudi defense companies engaged in drone production. It also discusses the foreign components and partners aiding the Saudi drone programs. In addition, the report also looks at two drone programs underway at SAMI and GAMI.
The report is structured as follows:
-Saudi defense industry mobilizes for drones: industry overview; foreign tech in Saudi drones
-Saudi drone programs: SAMI & GAMI