Saudi Arabia called Turkey's defense industry experience 'exemplary' and declared readiness to deepen cooperation

What happened in Istanbul

Istanbul hosted the 'Turkey–Saudi Arabia Defense Industry Days' — an event organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey, the Istanbul-based defense and aerospace industry cluster SAHA, and the Saudi company Saudi Arabian Military Industries. More than 100 companies from both countries took part, seeking opportunities for cooperation and investment. The Anadolu agency reported this after interviewing the Saudi delegation on the sidelines of the forum.

Riyadh's assessment and the three pillars of cooperation

Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, who also serves as Governor of the kingdom's General Authority for Military Industries, said that Turkey's experience in the defense industry is 'advanced and something we in the Kingdom can also learn from.' According to him, the challenges facing the region require close joint work on localizing many types of production.

Three pillars of cooperation

Al-Khorayef explained that the two countries' cooperation in the industry is built on shared interests, with governments creating conditions for the private sector to invest and drive development. He named three pillars of this process: defining Riyadh's industrial priorities; creating a supportive environment for companies — infrastructure, financing, and support programs; and having contracts with a clear demand forecast so that businesses can plan investments and scale up production. Saudi Arabia, the minister added, is focused on attracting companies with expertise and development capabilities, pointing to the role of Saudi Arabian Military Industries and the Rukn program in showcasing available opportunities.

Technology and youth as the foundation of the industry

Speaking about the future of the industry, the minister emphasized the importance of advanced technologies and qualified personnel: 'The future of the sector is changing significantly, and the adoption of technologies in the military and defense industry is a key element.' In his view, both countries have strong youth potential, and personnel training and education systems will become the most important foundation for the industry's development.

Turkey's position and the scale of the industry

For his part, the Secretary of Defense Industries of the Turkish Presidency, Haluk Görgün, said at the forum that Turkey is ready to expand defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He reported that more than 1,400 defense industry projects are underway in Turkey, with a combined portfolio of about $120 billion. According to him, Turkish companies are running joint projects with Saudi partners in support of the kingdom's goal of covering at least 50% of its military spending with domestic production under 'Vision 2030.'

Context

The statements made at the forum reflect a course toward deepening industrial ties, which, according to Al-Khorayef, intensified after the launch of Saudi Arabia's industrial and mining strategies. The report does not mention any specific new contracts or agreements signed as a result of the event — so far these are statements of readiness for cooperation, not commitments made.