The statements made by Lorenzo Mariani, co-general manager of Italy’s defense industry giant Leonardo, provide important clues about the strategy Saudi Arabia should follow in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) fighter jet program. Mariani stated that Saudi Arabia needs to develop its aviation skills before joining this prestigious program and that it can achieve this goal by establishing assembly lines, especially for NH90 helicopters and Eurofighters.
Industrial Preparation for Participation in the GCAP Program
Mariani’s assessments point to the need to develop the industrial capacity required for a country to participate in defense programs, beyond just a financial issue. For Saudi Arabia, the process of participating in the GCAP program is not just a matter of money, but also directly related to labor, technology and industrial capacity. Leonardo’s proposed roadmap offers Saudi Arabia the opportunity to develop its industrial capacity by taking an active role in previous military platforms. By taking part in projects such as the NH90 helicopters and Eurofighter aircraft in particular, Saudi Arabia will be able to gain experience in this process and participate in GCAP with more solid steps.
Saudi Arabia's Defense Strategy and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s investments in the defense sector are parallel to the country’s economic transformation plan, Vision 2030. This vision aims to free Saudi Arabia from its dependence on oil and natural gas and make it a global player in technology and industry. Leonardo’s proposed approach to Saudi Arabia should be seen as part of this goal. By providing more domestic production and technological development in the defense industry, the country’s role in the global defense market will be strengthened.
The memorandum of understanding signed by Leonardo with Saudi Arabia to further deepen defense cooperation indicates that joint work will be carried out on strategic platforms, especially fighter jets and helicopters. These collaborations will not only provide technology transfer to Saudi Arabia, but will also contribute to the local industry and diversify the economy.
Partnerships on Eurofighter and NH90
Mariani stated that Saudi Arabia’s active role in the production processes of the Eurofighter and NH90 helicopters is a great opportunity for it to gain the necessary knowledge before joining the GCAP program. The long-term evolution of the Eurofighter program aims to expand further with new radars and additional orders. By participating in this evolution, Saudi Arabia will not only assemble the aircraft but also play an active role in the development of defense technologies.
The Eurofighter and NH90 projects offer Saudi Arabia the opportunity to learn about high-tech defense production processes. This process will allow Saudi Arabia to enter large projects such as GCAP with greater preparation. With Leonardo’s proposal, the technical teams that will be on the assembly lines of these platforms will take an important step towards increasing Saudi Arabia’s defense industry capacity.
Technology Transfer and Local Collaborations
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have been increasing their investments in technology in recent years, aiming to develop their industrial capacity. As part of this process, Leonardo advocates technology transfer to the Gulf countries and strong partnerships with local partners. Mariani expressed Leonardo’s desire to establish strategic partnerships with local partners rather than just selling products. This approach not only provides economic gains, but also contributes to the development of industrial capacity in the region.
IDEX Fair and the Future of the Defense Industry
Mariani stated that as part of Leonardo’s expansion in the defense industry, they are participating in major defense fairs, especially IDEX. This fair, which will be held in early 2025, will provide an important opportunity for Leonardo to establish collaborations with local partners in the region. The interest of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in the defense sector increases the importance of such fairs. Leonardo also aims to undertake important projects in areas such as maritime, space and cybersecurity.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the GCAP program is not only a strategic step, but also an opportunity that could transform the defense industry in the region. Leonardo’s proposed collaborations and partnerships will help Saudi Arabia develop its aviation capabilities as well as increase its industrial capacity. This process will not only provide Saudi Arabia with defense technologies, but will also contribute to the goals of economic transformation in the region.
