The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) grants a license to develop, manufacture and localize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) systems

GAMI has granted INTRA Defense Technologies a license to commence work in the field of developing maintenance, manufacturing and localization of UAVs. The project is scheduled to begin during Q1 of 2021, with an expected investment of SAR 750 million.

The Authority aims to build a pioneering technical and innovative base regionally and internationally to develop the maintenance, manufacture and localization of unmanned aircraft systems, as Intra Defense Technologies - a Saudi company licensed by the Authority - will secure several advanced unmanned aircraft systems categories that vary in tasks and performance and are highly competitive in terms of technicality and cost.

H.E. GAMI Governor Ahmad Al Ohali affirmed in his statement that the project for developing maintenance, manufacture and localization of unmanned aircraft systems is in line with the general strategy of the Authority. The comprehensive strategy for the Authority is based on three pillars, namely Military Acquisition, Military Industry, and R&T. It also serves the Authority's strategic goal of localizing more than 50% of the Kingdom's expenditure on Defense by 2030, which “constitutes the primary motivation for our work over the next ten years, in direct cooperation with the military and security entities.”

H.E. added: at GAMI, We seek to empower the Sector in the Kingdom to become a significant stream to its economy and a vital contributor to providing job opportunities for Saudi youth, and to encourage development by enhancing non-oil revenues, in addition to strengthening the Kingdom's strategic autonomy in this Sector, and consolidating the foundations for its national security and support for its economic and social prosperity.

H.E. expressed his satisfaction and pride with the presence of several local companies. “what the Kingdom possesses today will be the cornerstone upon which we will build the Defense Sector to achieve transformation with unlimited support from the leadership and an unprecedented level of openness for the Kingdom, which is elevating its position day by day as a destination for investment in all fields.” He accentuated that the number of companies licensed by the Authority to date has reached 25 national companies operating in military industries.

The CEO of INTRA Defense Technologies, Mr. Salman Al-Shathry, confirmed that the project would start operating, God willing, during the first quarter of 2021 with a total investment of SAR 750 million. He also mentioned that the average localization on complete work and components in the project is estimated at 60%.

Mr. Al-Shathry further added, "This project will create approximately 500 direct jobs, with a Saudization rate of 70%, and the project aims to reach a percentage of foreign exports estimated at 60% of the total volume of business.

H.E. had earlier observed the launch of the "Asif" drone as part of the Authority's support for Saudi companies operating and investing in the Sector. The drone is designed and manufactured by Intra Defense Technologies and built by Saudi hands according to strict military standards. The drone, which operates tactically, first flew at the Dubai Airshow (2019). It is rigged with advanced equipment usually associated with larger unmanned aircraft systems as it can carry out a wide range of reconnaissance missions, including border patrols, pipeline inspections, highway patrols, among others.