SAMI local content program boosts Saudi-Turkish industrial ties at supplier day in Istanbul

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has concluded its "Supplier Day" event, held as part of the SAMI Local Content Program "Rukn," with participation from group companies, Saudi firms, and industrial suppliers from Turkey.

The two-day event took place in Istanbul from November 11 to 12, 2026, organized by the "Rukn" program with support from the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board, the Saudi-Turkish Business Council, and the International Defense, Aviation and Space Industries Fair.

More than 100 companies from leading Turkish industrial groups and their supply chains attended, including ASELSAN, HAVELSAN, and ROKETSAN, alongside Saudi companies specializing in advanced electronics, munitions, aviation, ground systems, and unmanned systems.

The event was attended by senior government officials and defense sector representatives from both countries, including Minister of State and Acting Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, SAMI CEO Thamer bin Mohammed Al-Muhaid, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, and President of Turkey's Defense Industries Authority Haluk Görgün.

Saudi company representatives showcased their industrial capabilities in aviation system support and maintenance, ground systems, autonomous and unmanned systems, munitions, defense electronics, and advanced manufacturing. They discussed supply, local manufacturing, and supplier development opportunities with their Turkish counterparts.

Discussions and workshops identified ways to strengthen local supply chains, expand domestic manufacturing, and support the growth of Saudi companies, in addition to exploring future opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, knowledge transfer, and job creation in the Kingdom.

SAMI CEO Thamer bin Mohammed Al-Muhaid said: "The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey has laid the foundation for industrial cooperation. Our role is to build on this foundation through partnerships that combine Turkish industrial expertise with growth and investment opportunities for Saudi companies. This event, through the 'Rukn' program, enabled our companies to connect with qualified suppliers and industrial partners. Our ambition goes beyond signing contracts to building sustainable partnerships that empower local manufacturing, develop local suppliers, and transfer technology and knowledge in line with Saudi Vision 2030."

The "Rukn" program was launched by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz during the 2026 World Defense Show. It aims to identify critical value chains and direct efforts to develop local capabilities by increasing domestic production, strengthening local content in procurement, and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The program connects Saudi companies and suppliers with industrial partners and government entities, supports the development of local industrial capabilities, and enhances the defense industry ecosystem, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to localize over 50% of military spending, support industrial sector growth, and create job opportunities.