Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QinetiQ and Dar Massader (QDM) to collaborate on developing Saudi Arabian capabilities in the technical test and evaluation of industry defense products in the Kingdom.
The MoU was signed at SAMI’s booth at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, which took place at ExCeL in London from 10-13 September 2019.
The signing of the MoU was attended by H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Baker, Chairman of QDM, Dr. Andreas Schwer, CEO of SAMI, Mr. Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ, and Ms. Sophie Lane, CEO of QDM, in addition to a number of officials from the three companies.
As part of the collaboration, SAMI and QDM will jointly explore the needs across joint ventures and projects in Saudi Arabia in the test and evaluation of the domestic defense industry products and facilitate the transfer of technical capabilities to the Kingdom. The MoU further stipulates the provision of integrated testing and evaluation training services focused on developing local talent pool through a future roadmap, in line with the directives of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Andreas Schwer, CEO of SAMI, said: “In the company’s constant pursuit to develop a strong local defense industries sector, we have found a promising partner that has aligned its strategy to the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030. SAMI and QDM will collaborate to build Saudi capabilities in the advanced test and evaluation of defense industry products in order to achieve SAMI’s localization objectives.”
Sophie Lane, CEO of QDM, said: “QDM is delighted to sign the MoU with SAMI to strengthen our test and evaluation offerings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Both companies will grow local engineering opportunities and establish a national test and evaluation capability directly in support of the Saudi Vision 2030. We are excited to embark on this journey today with such a strong industrial partner and look forward to increasing our support to local industrial programs.”
A joint venture between QinetiQ and Dar Massader, QDM helps customers protect, improve and advance their vital interests through the application of a range of advanced technology and services, including capability assurance, research and development, and technical advisory services.
