In a historic move reflecting the rapid development of military industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SAMI Ground Systems, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company (SAMI), unveiled its new strategic project: the HEET wheeled armored vehicles. This announcement, made during the third edition of the World Defence Exhibition 2026, represents a significant leap forward in the localization of defense industries, as the project was developed with 100% Saudi intellectual property, design, and production.

A qualitative leap towards achieving Vision 2030

The HEET project is not merely a new military product; it is a tangible embodiment of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, which aim to localize more than 50% of government military spending. This project enhances the Kingdom's strategic decision-making independence and reduces reliance on foreign imports in the land-based armament sector. This step is of paramount importance in light of global geopolitical challenges, as possessing local manufacturing technologies provides significant flexibility in meeting the needs of the Saudi Armed Forces quickly and efficiently.

Advanced technical specifications and combat capabilities

The HEET armored vehicles feature a unique engineering design that combines rigidity and flexibility. The family of vehicles includes multiple drive variants (4x4, 6x6, and 8x8). These vehicles are designed to operate efficiently in diverse terrains, from harsh desert environments to rough and paved areas. Key technical features of the armored vehicle include:

• Armor systems: Provide advanced ballistic protection for crew and equipment.
• Operational flexibility: The ability to operate as manned or unmanned platforms.
• Armament: It supports the integration of the 12.7 mm "Vision" combat turret system, in addition to the possibility of integrating a 105 mm turret to provide direct and powerful fire support.

A smart industrial complex built to the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

These armored vehicles will be produced at the company's complex, which is considered the largest integrated industrial complex of its kind in the region. The complex spans 82,000 square meters within a vast industrial area of ​​one million square meters. What distinguishes this industrial complex is its complete reliance on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, employing artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and industrial robotics to ensure the highest standards of quality and precision in production.

Economic and strategic impact

Engineer Mohammed Al-Hudaib, CEO of SAMI, affirmed that this project represents a fundamental pillar in building a solid national manufacturing base. The project is expected to contribute to:

• Providing more than 1000 quality jobs for Saudi talent.
• Reaching a production capacity of up to 1500 military vehicles per year.
• Strengthening border protection, reconnaissance, and rapid response capabilities of ground forces.

In doing so, the Kingdom places itself among the countries that manufacture advanced defense systems, confirming the Saudi engineer’s ability to innovate, produce and compete globally.

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host the third edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) conference. This global event is organized by the Human Capability Development Program, one of the programs for achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from May 3-4, 2026 (corresponding to Dhu al-Qi'dah 16-17, 1447 AH).

An ambitious vision to enhance future readiness

This conference is being held within the context of the comprehensive development drive underway in the Kingdom, where investment in human capital is a cornerstone of Vision 2030. The third edition of the conference, themed “The Human Code,” aims to explore ways to enhance future readiness amidst the rapid technological transformations the world is experiencing. The event focuses on three key strategic pillars: communication, reflection, and innovation, which are considered essential for empowering individuals and societies to keep pace with the demands of the digital age and the knowledge economy.

A global platform for dialogue and partnerships

The conference is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors, including experts and specialists, and will host more than 250 speakers from among leading thought leaders, policymakers, and CEOs from around the world. The conference aims to be a global platform for exchanging best practices and showcasing inspiring success stories, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as an international hub for decision-making in the field of human capital development.

The United Kingdom is the guest of honor for the third edition

In a move reflecting the depth of strategic relations, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the guest of honor at this edition. This hosting comes as a culmination of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, training, and economic development. In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, explained that this step is an extension of the “Future Skills” initiative launched previously, emphasizing the importance of exchanging high-quality knowledge to enhance the global competitiveness of national talent.

Supporting leadership and sustaining success

His Excellency the Minister of Education, Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the generous patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince embodies the leadership's firm belief that human beings are the most important pillar for building a prosperous and sustainable economy. This conference comes as a continuation of the great successes achieved in the previous two editions, which witnessed the attendance of more than 23,000 visitors and the signing of 156 strategic agreements and partnerships, thus confirming the tangible impact of this initiative on both the local and international levels.

For more information about the conference details and schedule, please visit the initiative’s official website (https://humancapabilityinitiative.org).