Saudi Arabia and Russia sign S-400 MOU, with Some Manufacturing in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia wants to produce a range of Russian military products, including parts for the S-400 air defense system, as part of agreements signed during King Salman’s visit to Russia this week.

The agreement to produce military equipment covering the procurement of S-400 long-range air defense systems includes manufacturing part of the system in the Kingdom, according to Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), a recently-formed body created to manage manufacturing of military equipment in Saudi Arabia.

King Salman and Vladamir Putin in Russia.

The S-400 Triumf is an anti aircraft, anti ballistic missile and anti cruise missile defense system that has been in service with the Russian Army since 2007. The System gives Saudi Arabia a multi-layer defense ability against aerial threats.

SAMI said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) it has signed with the Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport stipulates that “the parties will co-operate in setting a plan to localise the manufacturing and sustainment of parts of the S-400,” according to IHS Jane’s 360.

The MOU also covers the production in Saudi Arabia of Kornet-EM anti-tank missiles, TOS-1A multiple rocket launchers, and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers, IHS Jane’s 360 said.

“It appears the only firm agreement covers AK-103 assault rifle and ammunition production” at this time, the publication said.