SAMI transforms into a strategic group. New subsidiaries reshape Saudi defence procurement.
Insight N°046
28 February 2026
In February 2026, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced a transformation into a strategic group structure with two new subsidiaries: SAMI Land Company (for land systems including the HEET Programme unveiled at the World Defense Show 2026) and SAMI Autonomous Systems (for unmanned and autonomous defence systems).
The reorganisation deepens the partnership architecture between SAMI and foreign defence prime contractors.
How the new structure affects existing international joint ventures
SAMI already operates joint ventures with several international defence primes. Thales for radar and electronic warfare. Safran for engine support and avionics. Naval Group for naval systems. The strategic group transformation moves these joint ventures into a structured holding architecture that supports broader portfolio depth and clearer programme governance. For the existing international joint venture partners, the structure makes continuation and expansion easier than the pre-2026 arrangement.
Where international defence and dual-use SMEs have new entry points
The SAMI Land Company and SAMI Autonomous Systems subsidiaries each represent a new partnership entry point. SAMI Land’s HEET Programme is anchored by Saudi production but the supply chain for advanced land systems platforms requires international technology partners. SAMI Autonomous Systems is at the early stage of its capability build, with active partnership selection in unmanned air systems, unmanned surface systems, and counter-UAS technologies.
international defence SMEs with credible technology in these categories (the wider international unmanned systems ecosystem, the dual-use applied AI cohort serving defence, the counter-UAS specialists) have entry points that did not exist under the pre-transformation SAMI structure.
What we do
audixintel structures the Saudi entry for international defence and dual-use SMEs targeting the new SAMI Land Company and SAMI Autonomous Systems partnership entry points. From the operating entity through the partner conversations with SAMI procurement.
Sources
audixintel
Saudi market entry, made operational.