Saudi Arabia wants to make their own weapons, Russia eager to help

The Saudis will need partners, which means opportunities for Western companies

Saudi Arabia aims to build a defense industry at breakneck speed, and it’s ready to look beyond its traditional Western allies for help.
 

The oil-rich kingdom has long been a favourite customer of arms sellers, especially American ones. President Donald Trump announced $110 billion in deals during his trip there last year. Now, 32 year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to make weapons at home, and he’s set an ambitious goal: Half of Saudi procurement is supposed to be done locally by 2030, from about 2 per cent today.

The Saudis will need partners -- which means opportunities for Western