RIYADH — Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed a logistics services agreement with Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation.

This falls within SAMI's commitment to develop the capabilities and support the localization of Saudi Arabia’s military industries sector.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bahri will provide wide-ranging internal and external logistics services, including sea, air, and land transport, as well as freight services to the various business units and affiliated companies of SAMI.

The agreement was co-signed at the SAMI headquarters by Eng. Walid Abukhaled, the CEO of SAMI, and Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, the CEO of Bahri.

The contract includes the provision of complete door-to-door logistics and transportation services to facilitate the smooth execution of the projects and programs of SAMI and its affiliates, besides supporting the localization of defense logistics.

Commenting on the agreement, Eng. Abukhaled said: “We are delighted as the national defense champion to enter into an agreement with Bahri, the national shipping carrier, to meet our growing logistics requirements.

“The agreement demonstrates the Kingdom’s dynamic efforts to develop its military industries and logistics sectors. The shared objectives of SAMI and Bahri in relation to Vision 2030 will have a major impact on the synergies within the Kingdom’s defense ecosystem.

“Moreover, this achievement is consistent with PIF’s efforts through SAMI to build strategic partnerships.”

Eng. Aldubaikhi said: “Bahri is proud to be contracted by SAMI and pleased to support their defense industry localization programs. We are honored that our contributions are aimed at ensuring Saudi Arabia’s security.

“Furthermore, this agreement reaffirms our commitment to strengthening leading Saudi entities operating in the public and private sectors by providing them world-class logistics services, in line with the Vision 2030 objectives that aim to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub and a thriving investment destination.”

Under the agreement, SAMI’s five business divisions, as well as its affiliates, including the Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), Aircraft Accessories and Components Company (AACC), SAMINavantia, SAMI L3Harris, and SAMI CMI, will be the beneficiaries of Bahri’s logistics services.

Though the agreement presently covers the Saudi market, the two companies are working to expand its scope to include the global defense and logistics sector in the future. — SPA