The agreement marks the first step towards collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the Defence and Security Sector

Embraer and the Saudi Defence Company SAMI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to start cooperation in their respective aerospace industries, particularly in defence and security.

This agreement is geared towards expanding the operational footprint of both companies in Saudi Arabia, focusing on promoting the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and delivering support to the country’s Ministry of Defence. SAMI and Embraer will work to establish comprehensive maintenance capability for the Embraer’s aircraft.

Additionally, both companies will explore a Regional MRO Hub, a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, and a mission system integration in Saudi Arabia. They will also engage in training activities to enable new regional opportunities.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, said: “We are very pleased to sign this agreement with SAMI. This is the first step to advance cooperation in Defense and Security involving production chains between the two countries. With this Memorandum of Understanding, Embraer advances further into a strategic market. We will work hard to add value to the local industry, to the Royal Saudi Air Force, and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Walid A. Abukhaled, SAMI’s CEO, added: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Embraer, bringing new support and production facilities into the Kingdom. This growth in our business scope and capabilities highlights SAMI’s dedication to advancing and supporting the development of the aerospace ecosystem in the Kingdom. It is another important step in SAMI’s efforts in supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the defence sector and contribution to the localization of 50% of the defence spending In the Kingdom by 2030.”

“While this expansion of our MRO capabilities is important, the key to this agreement is the establishment of joint training activities, to support the development of Saudi talents and the transfer of valuable skills within the aerospace sector.”

The agreement will support SAMI’s efforts to empower local talents and contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of expanding the local defence sector.