Interview: Joseph Rank, CEO for Saudi Arabia and Africa
How localised is defence manufacturing, and what is the role of the private sector in this process?
JOSEPH RANK: The private sector plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s defence manufacturing, as it is responsible for the actual production. The government can invest directly or through industrial participation programmes to incentivise this development. However, it is clear that both sides need to work together. Progress has been made in terms of Saudi Arabia localising to develop critical capabilities, like the production of missile launchers and canisters. A partnership-driven model ensures that private industry powers localisation, while also benefitting from government incentives, resulting in the development of advanced defence technologies.
Where do you see opportunities and challenges in balancing purchases of advanced technologies with developing domestic defence manufacturing?
RANK: The critical opportunity lies in the fact that Saudi Arabia no longer just buys advanced technologies – it invests in localising production, a central pillar of Vision 2030. The challenge is ensuring that this comes with a high level of technological transfer, which companies in the Kingdom are nonetheless doing. Opportunities include manufacturing advanced materials, such as composites and additive manufacturing, which can serve both military and civilian purposes. Restrictions on the transfer of certain US technologies can present a challenge; however, by working with the US Department of State, we have made considerable progress in ensuring that capabilities are developed locally.
In what ways is the government fostering collaboration between local defence companies and international firms to accelerate knowledge and technology transfer in critical areas?
RANK: The government’s efforts have been highly effective in fostering collaboration between local and international firms. For instance, we have worked with local companies on air defence systems, helping them build critical components like missile launchers. One local company that builds steel beams for skyscrapers was able to modify its processes, with our support, to produce components for these advanced systems. Instead of setting up new entities, the model focuses on building capabilities within existing Saudi firms. This helps to facilitate a sustainable transfer of knowledge and technology in the Kingdom.
To what extent can Saudi Arabia leverage new technologies to address emerging security threats?
RANK: Saudi Arabia is already leveraging these advanced technologies to a significant extent. For example, in the conflict in Yemen, advanced missile defence systems – including those incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) – have played a key role in defending the Kingdom against new threats. The deployment of such systems shows that Saudi Arabia is adopting the most advanced counter-missile technologies available. Its ability to field these technologies demonstrates a proactive approach to using AI and radar systems to address emerging security challenges.
Which programmes and initiatives are helping to cultivate a skilled workforce for Saudi Arabia’s aerospace, security and defence industries?
RANK: Several initiatives are proving effective in workforce development. Internships that engage talented engineers from local universities are particularly successful, as they involve complex projects such as lunar mission planning or developing AI-based foreign object detection systems for planes. International companies play a crucial role by providing opportunities, and transferring practical knowledge and experience. While the Kingdom has no shortage of engineers and scientists, the focus on providing hands-on experience will ensure that the country can fully localise its defence manufacturing, and research and development capabilities.
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