Scopa and Airbus have entered into an agreement to manufacture helicopters within Saudi Arabia.
Scopa Industries, a Saudi defense company, has partnered with Airbus to jointly produce civil and military helicopters, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to localize its defense industry. The agreement was announced during the Saudi-French Investment Forum held in Paris.
The partnership between Scopa Industries and Airbus signifies a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s drive to localize its defense industry and reduce dependency on foreign imports. By collaborating to produce civil and military helicopters within the Kingdom, Scopa aims to enhance its capabilities and contribute to the growth of the domestic defense sector.
With investments expected to exceed SR25 billion ($6.67 billion) over the next two decades, Scopa demonstrates its long-term commitment to developing a robust defense manufacturing infrastructure. This strategic collaboration with Airbus aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes the localization of industries and the creation of high-value job opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Nawaz Al-Akeel, CEO of Scopa Industries, expressed confidence in the partnership and outlined ambitious goals for the project. He anticipates that the first helicopters produced at the joint Scopa-Airbus factories in Saudi Arabia will be unveiled within 24 months of the World Defense Show in February. This international defense exhibition, held in Riyadh, will serve as a platform to showcase the progress and achievements of Saudi Arabia’s defense industry.
The Saudi-French Investment Forum, where the deal was announced, emphasizes the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of cooperation. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, leading a senior delegation, is actively engaging with French counterparts to identify mutual areas of interest and drive economic growth.
By fostering an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship, the forum aims to unlock new opportunities across various sectors, including technology startups. It serves as a platform for Saudi Arabia and France to exchange expertise, share best practices, and forge partnerships that can contribute to the economic development of both nations.
The continued engagement between Saudi Arabia and France reflects the deepening partnership and mutual interests in areas such as defense, technology, energy, and infrastructure. These high-level engagements over the past year have paved the way for collaborative initiatives, including the Scopa-Airbus partnership, that contribute to the growth and diversification of the Saudi economy.
As Saudi Arabia strives to enhance its defense capabilities and build a self-sufficient defense industry, collaborations with global industry leaders like Airbus will play a crucial role. The localization efforts are expected to generate economic opportunities, create jobs, and boost technological advancements within the Kingdom. With a focus on innovation and self-reliance, Saudi Arabia aims to become a key player in the global defense sector while ensuring its long-term security and sovereignty.
According to Scopa CEO Nawaz Al-Akeel, the company expects to invest over SR25 billion ($6.67 billion) in the next 20 years. The joint production of helicopters by Scopa and Airbus is set to commence within 24 months of the upcoming World Defense Show in February, where the foundation stone for the project will be laid.
The World Defense Show, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of localizing 50 percent of its military spending by 2030. Andrew Pearcey, in an interview with Arab News last February, expressed that the defense show will showcase the growth of Saudi Arabia in the defense sector.
The Saudi-French Investment Forum, which commenced on Monday, aims to address key issues across various sectors and create visibility for new investment opportunities, particularly for technology startups and entrepreneurship. Leading a senior delegation, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih is emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
The forum serves as a platform for unlocking new avenues, fostering economic growth, and strengthening mutually beneficial ties between Saudi Arabia and France. This event is part of a series of high-level engagements between the two countries over the past year, highlighting their efforts to enhance their partnership and cooperation.
