Jeddah: The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a leading national defense and security company and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, successfully concluded its participation as the Platinum Sponsor of the first Aerospace Connect Forum. The event took place in Jeddah from February 24 to 25, 2025, under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef. It was organized by the National Industrial Development Center and co-hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum played a significant role in fostering innovation and advancing the localization of aerospace technologies in line with Saudi Vision 2030. It also served as a platform for international collaboration and investment to strengthen Saudi Arabia's defense and security sector. SAMI showcased its key aerospace divisions, including SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries, SAMI Figeac Aero Manufacturing, SAMI Aerospace Mechanics, and SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI AEC).
At the event, SAMI Figeac Aero presented its aerospace innovations, such as lightweight metal components used in aircraft frames and F-15SA pylons for mounting external equipment on aircraft wings. These components are manufactured at SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries' facilities. Experts from SAMI's divisions participated in a panel discussion on "Challenges and Opportunities in Saudi Aerospace and Aviation," highlighting efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and identifying future growth opportunities.
On the forum's sidelines, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, along with SAMI's CEO Eng. Thamer Almuhid and the accompanying delegation, visited the facilities of SAMI Aerospace Mechanics and SAMI Figeac Aero Manufacturing. The visit reviewed ongoing progress, advanced manufacturing technologies, and industrial capabilities in aerospace, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to localizing 50 percent of its military spending by 2030.