The facility will provide testing, repair and certification of PAC-3 launcher components for the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces’ Patriot missile defense system. Lockheed Martin will deliver new and enhanced testing capabilities and train Pioneers technicians, with the depot expected to reach full operational capability by 2029.
“Recent real-world performance has increased the demand for PAC-3 to unprecedented levels,” said Jason Reynolds, vice president of IAMD at Lockheed Martin. “To meet this growing demand, Lockheed Martin is surging production to accelerate the delivery of this critical defence capability to our global customers.”
“This is one of our several initiatives in the Kingdom focused on building local capacity and technical expertise, all while supporting US jobs and strengthening the resilience and global reach of the US defence industrial base,” Reynolds said. The company said the depot will shorten repair cycles, increase operational availability and strengthen the Kingdom’s air defense posture.
“This partnership represents a major step in building a sovereign, Saudi-led sustainment capability for critical air and missile defence systems,” said Ziyad Almohaimeed, chief executive of Pioneers Technical Systems. “By establishing PAC-3 launcher testing and repair inside the Kingdom, we are strengthening national readiness while developing skilled Saudi talent to sustain these systems for the long term.”
Lockheed Martin said the project supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for domestic industrial growth, with Pioneers contributing expertise in electronics, circuit card assemblies and cable manufacturing. The company added it has partnered with Saudi Arabia since 1965 and continues to expand its role beyond defense systems through technical support and educational initiatives.
