In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its defense system, the Ministry of Defense today signed 28 contracts with leading local and international companies specializing in military industries. This took place during the World Defense Show, hosted by the capital, Riyadh, a global platform that brings together leaders in the defense and security sector from around the world.

International partnerships to enhance defense capabilities

The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, with Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khalid bin Hussein Al-Bayari, concluding four major contracts with the CEOs of leading global companies. These agreements included the French missile systems leader MBDA, the Saudi Arabian subsidiary of the American defense giant Raytheon, the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, and the Italian aerospace, defense, and security firm Leonardo.

In the same vein, the Deputy Minister of Defense for Procurement and Armament, Ibrahim bin Ahmed Al-Suwaid, signed eight additional contracts with CEOs of local, French, Turkish, Korean, and Italian companies, reflecting the Kingdom's diverse international partnerships. The package also included 16 contracts signed by the Ministry's Executive Directors General for Procurement and Armament with representatives of various companies.

World Defence Exhibition: A Gateway to the Future

The signing of these major contracts comes in the context of the World Defence Exhibition, a pivotal event on the global defense agenda. The exhibition not only showcases the latest military technologies but also provides a fertile ground for forging strategic partnerships that serve national interests. This event underscores Riyadh's position as a regional and international hub for defense decision-making and the exchange of military expertise.

Vision 2030 and the localization of military industries

These contracts are particularly important as they directly contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Through these agreements, the Ministry aims to effectively contribute to localizing more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services. This approach not only enhances the Kingdom's strategic independence but also contributes to the transfer of technology and knowledge, and creates high-quality job opportunities for Saudi nationals in the promising military industries sector.

Enhancing combat readiness and ensuring the sustainability of systems

The contracts signed primarily aim to enhance the military readiness of all branches of the Saudi Armed Forces. This includes strengthening defense capabilities, raising combat efficiency, and ensuring the sustainability of military systems through advanced maintenance and technical support services. Combining global expertise with local capabilities will guarantee the Kingdom a sophisticated defense system capable of effectively and competently addressing current and future security challenges.

As part of the intensive preparations to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its monitoring and field efforts to ensure food safety and the availability of supplies, in order to achieve the highest public health standards for consumers during this season, which witnesses a significant increase in demand for food products.

Extensive inspection campaigns and destruction of spoiled food

The ministry announced that its inspection teams destroyed approximately 20 tons of various food products, including fruits, vegetables, and dates, after confirming they were unfit for human consumption. Official statistics indicated that field teams destroyed over 19,900 kilograms of spoiled fruits and vegetables, in addition to confiscating and destroying approximately 1,697 kilograms of meat and fish, as part of a comprehensive plan for continuous monitoring of markets and retail outlets across the country.

Slaughterhouse readiness and livestock inspection

Given the high demand for meat during the holy month, the Ministry has given special attention to the livestock sector, with veterinary and specialized teams inspecting more than 111,300 carcasses . This step aims to ensure that livestock are free from disease and that health requirements are met in slaughterhouses and public markets, thus enhancing consumer confidence when purchasing sacrificial animals.

Field efforts supported by laboratory testing

The ministry revealed the scale of its field operations prior to the holy month, during which approximately 6,300 inspection tours with the active participation of 428 inspectors . The ministry did not limit itself to visual inspections but also supported its operations by collecting and testing 658 laboratory samples to ensure their compliance with standard specifications and strict health requirements.

The importance of proactive monitoring during seasons

These campaigns are of paramount importance in the local context, as Ramadan marks the peak of the consumer season in the Kingdom and the region. These proactive measures thwart attempts by some violators to market substandard or expired goods, exploiting the increased demand. These efforts also reflect the commitment of relevant authorities to achieving food security and improving quality of life, aligning with national objectives to ensure a healthy and safe environment for society.

Awareness and community partnership

Believing that oversight is incomplete without awareness, the Ministry implemented more than 122 awareness programs for beneficiaries and sector employees, aiming to raise the level of compliance with regulations. Additionally, 23 food preservation associations to support field efforts, thus reinforcing the concepts of social responsibility and sustainability.

On the enforcement side, these strict campaigns resulted in the monitoring and recording of 1,475 violations and warnings against non-compliant establishments and individuals, confirming their continued application of regulatory penalties to protect the consumer throughout the days of the holy month.