RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s naval industry will receive a technological boost as SAMI Navantia launches a new facility to enhance defense sector capabilities.

The Naval Systems Integration and Development Center of Excellence was inaugurated at SAMI Navantia Naval Industries’ headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of the Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili.

SAMI Navantia is a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Navantia S.A., a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company, aimed at advancing naval industry capabilities.

To optimize the center’s performance, the company has invested in computer equipment and software, implemented clear procedures, and developed policies, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

This underscores the firm’s commitment to providing high-quality products for naval forces. Such investments also reinforce SAMI Navantia’s prominent position in the systems industries, it added.

According to the SAMI website, the excellence center aims to enhance capabilities efficiently, provide advanced technologies, and introduce modern approaches to meet the requirements of the RSNF.

The event was attended by senior executives from both firms, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey to contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the SPA report added.

It also states that, to ensure the center performs its mission effectively, SAMI Navantia, with support from SAMI, has invested in computer equipment and programs, adding that the firm also established clear procedures and policies that reaffirm its commitment to delivering the best products to serve the naval forces and solidify its position as a leading company within the sector.

SAMI stated that the center aims to integrate and advance naval systems through high-performance software, bolstering local expertise and fostering the forces' autonomy. This involves providing cutting-edge capabilities like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and integrating unmanned vehicles.

In its statement, SAMI said that it aims to build a strong partnership with the RSNF, becoming its technological partner, adding that it is committed to training and developing national personnel to work alongside the naval forces in strengthening the defense sector in line with the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

SAMI CEO Walid Abukhaled stated that they are proud of the level of cooperation that binds them to the RSNF and SAMI Navantia. He added that they are fully committed to providing support to the naval forces and look forward to achieving further progress and innovation through qualified national hands.