Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is indigenously manufacturing new armored military vehicles under the name of “Al-Dahnaa.”

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) announced on Wednesday the signing of a contract in this regard between the General Directorate of Border Guards and the Military Industries Corporation in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.

According to the contract, armored vehicles and heavy equipment will be manufactured locally at the Corporation’s factory and be delivered to the General Directorate of Border Guards in accordance with the latest international specifications and standards.

GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmed Al-Ohali, Chairman of Military Industries Corporation Eng. Muhammad Al-Mady, and Director General of the Border Guards Lt. Gen. Awad Al-Balawi attended the signing ceremony at the headquarters of GAMI in Riyadh.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Ohali said that the local manufacturing of Al-Dahnaa vehicles comes as part of the strategic move to achieve national priorities and frame legislations for awarding military-industrial contracts and support and empowering local manufacturers and promote local companies to achieve growth as leading companies.

It also aims to support major Saudi companies to strengthen their position globally and expand opportunities for qualified Saudis by achieving its main goal of localizing more than 50 percent of the Kingdom’s spending on military equipment and services.

For his part, Al-Mady said that it’s a matter of pride that the GAMI has qualified Saudis who are well aware of the latest global manufacturing technology, making it eligible to manufacture and localize this type of military vehicles.

The Dahnaa vehicle has undergone all standard and mobility tests, according to international classifications. It is a multi-function four-wheel-drive vehicle, compatible with all conditions and specifications of military use,” he said.

It is noteworthy that the GAMI is the regulating body for the military industries sector in the Kingdom and is responsible for its development and monitoring its performance.