GE Aerospace entered into an industrial participation agreement (IPA) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) of Saudi Arabia to develop engine repair capability and to develop the aerospace manufacturing industry in the kingdom.
The agreement was signed during the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, will enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities by employing specialized equipment and highly skilled training.
GE Aerospace indicated that it will assist the local companies in building F110 engine capability as per the international standards and finally perform more complex repair procedures that were done by outsourcing.
Nawaf Albawardi, Deputy Governor for the Localization Sector of GAMI, said, “The MoU will contribute to strengthening GAMI’s ongoing efforts to localise and develop the military industries sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to acquire the knowledge required in specialised processes and the international certifications necessary to develop engine parts manufacturing capabilities.”
Albawardi stated that the involvement of GE Aerospace facilitates the needs of the defense sector by offering local organizations technology, knowledge, and expertise to aid in the production and enhancing maintenance capabilities, such as engine repair in Saudi Arabia and the region, creating high-value, skilled jobs that are skilled.
Salim Mousallam, VP Defence & Systems for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at GE Aerospace, added, “Our relationship with GAMI demonstrates GE Aerospace’s commitment to localising advanced strategic industries within the kingdom and cultivating a highly qualified national workforce to advance Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”
He reported, “This collaboration to share knowledge on engine manufacturing and sustainment goes beyond technology transfer. By supporting Saudi suppliers to develop capabilities in advanced MRO and manufacturing techniques and precision engineering, the agreement will accelerate Saudi Arabia’s industrial know-how and global competitiveness.”
The initial phase will aim at transferring knowledge to enhance F110 capabilities and support local companies in establishing industrial entities for complex repairs.
GE Aerospace shall also collaborate with GAMI to determine the prospects of manufacturing, seeking qualified local companies, counselling the companies through certification, and formulating procedures for specialised production of defence-related products under the US government licensing permits.
