Saudi Arabia shifts from importing to local weapons production

The article focuses on the strategic transformation of Saudi Arabia's defense industry from an importer of weapons to a localized manufacturing and self-reliance hub, as part of its ambitious Vision 2030. Data shows that the Kingdom was the world's third-largest arms importer between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 77% of its imports from the United States, 28% from Spain, and ranking second as the largest importer from Canada and Belgium. Currently, the Kingdom has achieved a military procurement localization rate of 24.89%, with domestic content rising to 40.74%, and aims to surpass 50% localization by 2030. The localization strategy is based on technology transfer, building national human capabilities, and manufacturing complex systems such as drones, armored vehicles, and fast boats entirely domestically, to strengthen the Kingdom’s strategic and security independence. Saudi Arabia also seeks to empower local companies and foster innovation through partnerships with global firms like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, with a total investment of 6.67 billion riyals in the sector. Additionally, 4.26 billion riyals are allocated for developing national talent, with the goal of establishing advanced defense industries and achieving industrial sovereignty.

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