Saudi Arabia Seals Defense Production Agreements with Three Turkish Firms
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has announced strategic partnerships with Turkish defense companies FNSS Defense Systems, Aselsan, and Nurol Makina. These collaborations aim to localize advanced land systems manufacturing within the Kingdom at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC).
Under the Nurol Makina agreement, technology transfer and manufacturing of 4x4 military vehicles, specifically the Ejder Yalcin platform, will take place. The Ejder Yalcin has been developed in various configurations, including APC, fire support, mortar carrier, and ambulance variants. The versatile vehicle has also been exported and adapted for diverse roles such as anti-tank and counter-UAS vehicles [1][2].
FNSS Defense Systems will be involved in technology transfer and production of armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets, likely including the TEBER-II turret system for 8x8 combat vehicle platforms [1][2]. However, the specific details regarding the TEBER-II turret system production under this agreement were not mentioned in the available information.
Aselsan's focus is on technology transfer to localize manufacturing of combat turret systems, such as the SARP 100/25 turret currently used on modernized ACV-15 armored fighting vehicles [1][2]. The SARP 100/25 turret, which mounts a 25mm weapon, will be produced locally under the Aselsan agreement.
All manufacturing and technology transfer will occur at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC), scheduled to begin operations in Q4 2025. The facility is designed to meet the highest international standards and will operate under Industry 4.0 principles, integrating artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and robotics to enable advanced unmanned manufacturing managed by intelligent systems [1][2]. This approach is expected to improve efficiency and quality.
These agreements are part of SAMI’s strategic goal to enhance localization of defense industries within Saudi Arabia by developing advanced industrial capabilities and providing high-quality products across the lifecycle [2][3]. The cooperation also strengthens bilateral defense ties and is expected to bolster Saudi Arabia’s military manufacturing capabilities and Turkey’s defense industry presence in the Gulf region [4].
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4
- Turkey's Nurol Makina will collaborate with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to manufacture and transfer technology for the Ejder Yalcin platform at the SAMI Land Industrial Complex (SLIC), a versatile 4x4 military vehicle with diverse roles such as anti-tank and counter-UAS vehicles.
- FNSS Defense Systems from Turkey will partner with SAMI to produce armored combat vehicles and weapon turrets, presumably including the TEBER-II turret system for 8x8 combat vehicle platforms, at the SLIC, scheduled to begin operations in Q4 2025.
- Aselsan, another Turkish defense company, aims to localize manufacturing of combat turret systems, particularly the SARP 100/25 turret, at the SLIC, which will operate under Industry 4.0 principles integrating artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and robotics.
- SAMI's strategic partnerships with Turkish defense companies are also expected to boost the general news and sports sectors in Turkey, as these collaborations strengthen the Turkish defense industry presence in the Gulf region and bolster Saudi Arabia’s military manufacturing capabilities.
