L3Harris, SAMI-L3Harris Joint Venture, and Zamil Shipyards have signed a deal to design one of the first “Saudi-made” unmanned surface vessels (USV).
The cooperation aims to develop several new modular USV variants to provide a wide range of surveillance and defensive capabilities.
The initiative also includes advancing local maritime engineering by incorporating autonomous technology into existing vessels.
“We are positioned to transform maritime surveillance and mission execution by leveraging our joint venture and local industrial capabilities,” said Dave Johnson, VP International at L3Harris, and Vice Chairman at SAMI-L3Harris.
Under the agreement, Saudi firm Zamil Shipyards will lead the design and production of unmanned platforms, while SAMI-L3Harris will integrate autonomous navigation systems, sensors, and mission equipment.
“We believe that USVs could be a game-changer in helping nations secure their borders, both above and below water, against the increasing nature of asymmetric threats,” said Alastair Bisset, General Manager of Zamil Shipyards.
Additionally, the collaboration includes a series of on-water demonstrations scheduled to take place throughout this year.
The trials aim to evaluate the project’s technical progress and assess the operational potential of the jointly developed unmanned systems.
Towards Localization
Saudi Arabia is pushing to expand domestic defense manufacturing under Vision 2030, which aims to localize half of its military spending.
As part of this plan, Riyadh’s General Authority for Military Industries promotes collaboration between Saudi and foreign defense firms.
The initiative encourages international companies to open local branches to increase in-country production and reduce dependence on foreign-made equipment.
