The National Industrial Development Center of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus, to explore opportunities for developing and localizing the aviation and helicopter industry in the Kingdom.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, reflecting the government’s support for advancing strategic industrial partnerships.
Under the memorandum, the Industrial Center and Airbus aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated and sustainable aviation industrial base in the Kingdom.
This includes studying the creation of an advanced engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and repair operations, supported by a comprehensive logistics and supply chain network.
The agreement also covers technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers and original equipment manufacturers to invest in Saudi Arabia, while developing Saudi talent through specialized educational and training partnerships with domestic academic and technical institutions.
The Industrial Center and Airbus MoU further includes coordination with relevant authorities to examine procurement options, support the shift toward export-oriented production, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms designed to enhance project readiness, competitiveness, and long-term viability.
The memorandum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to localizing high-value industries and strengthening its position as a regional and global technology and industrial hub in the aviation sector. To achieve this objective, the Kingdom continues to forge strategic partnerships with leading global aerospace companies that stimulate investment opportunities, create highly skilled and specialized jobs, and drive sustainable growth across local supply chains.
