The launch event was attended by His Excellency Eng. Ahmad bin Abdulazia Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and His Excellency Mr. Seok Jong-gun, Minister of the Republic of Korea Defense Acquisition Program Administrator (DAPA). Around 80 representatives from the Korean Embassy in the Kingdom, the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of National Guard, the Ministry of Investment, and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) were also present.
Hanwha stated the Riyadh headquarters will act as a hub for collaboration not only in defence but also in areas such as smart cities, renewable energy, and the space sector. It is designed to serve as a gateway for the company’s further expansion across the Gulf and North Africa.
“The inauguration of the MENA Regional Headquarters marks a key milestone for Hanwha to further strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other key countries across the Middle East and North Africa,” said Mr. Sung Il, President for Middle East and Africa, at the ceremony. “Building on the foundation of collaboration Hanwha has established throughout the region, our new headquarters will serve as a regional hub for cooperation in land, naval, and aerospace systems—helping enhance security while supporting industrial growth and job creation.”
Saudi Arabia has been identified as the anchor of Hanwha’s MENA strategy, reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership in defence transformation under Vision 2030. Hanwha said it would support the national objective to localise more than 50 per cent of defence spending by expanding supply chains, building joint production lines, and creating highly skilled jobs.
The company is also assessing options to develop Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, technical training and education programmes, and joint research and development projects in Saudi Arabia. According to Hanwha, these initiatives are part of its wider strategy to contribute to Vision 2030 through technology transfer, localisation, and employment generation.
Hanwha’s defence portfolio, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Tigon 8×8 armoured vehicle, and M-SAM next-generation air defence system, forms a core part of its regional partnership approach. The firm highlighted that these systems, alongside local production and technology transfer, are expected to reinforce cooperation with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other partners.
High-level talks have already taken place to deepen ties, with Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim meeting Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of the National Guard, in November 2024. The meeting explored opportunities in defence modernisation and industry partnerships, confirming a shared commitment to advancing strategic capabilities and supporting economic diversification.
