Leonardo expands Saudi defence ties with new agreement

Leonardo has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen industrial collaboration across the aerospace and defence sectors, building on the momentum of an earlier agreement signed in 2024.

Announced during bilateral meetings between Saudi and Leonardo officials in Al Ula, the MoU was formalised with the support of the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

According to the parties, the agreement will pave the way for investment and development initiatives focused on advanced capabilities and localisation in key defence areas.

The latest agreement expands on earlier plans to explore cooperation in space systems, helicopter assembly, airframe maintenance, radar and electronic warfare localisation, and the development of a national defence supply chain. It also highlights increasing emphasis on collaboration in Combat Air and Cross-Domain Integration, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy.

In a statement, Leonardo said the new MoU would allow the company to “significantly contribute to the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” supporting efforts to diversify the economy, develop high-skilled local jobs, and create long-term industrial partnerships.

The defence giant has a long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia, having supplied the Kingdom with a range of technologies including helicopters for transport and search and rescue, maritime defence systems, cyber capabilities, sensors, and air defence solutions.

With a regional headquarters already established in the country, Leonardo’s latest move strengthens its position as a strategic partner to Riyadh. The company intends to continue working closely with local technology firms, research institutions, and operational end-users to expand in-country production and capability development.