Thales advances Mideast strategy with Saudi defense projects

French defense and technology giant Thales is advancing plans to deepen its footprint in Saudi Arabia through a radar production facility and expanded cooperation with Saudi Arabian Military Industries.

The goal, Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of international development at Thales, told The National, is to bolster the kingdom’s air defense capabilities and contribute to its broader strategy of localizing military production and becoming a global defense supply chain player.

This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, create skilled jobs for Saudis, and boost domestic technical expertise.

With military spending reaching over $80 billion in 2024, Saudi Arabia remains a key market for Thales’ long-term growth and innovation in defense technologies, Sourisse said.

While focusing on the kingdom, Thales is also pursuing plans to establish an AI research center in Abu Dhabi, marking its first such hub in the Middle East.