ABU DHABI: Saudi Arabia signed a preliminary agreement on Sunday with France’s Naval Group to build warships in the kingdom, as part of its efforts to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the kingdom’s state defence company, made the announcement at the IDEX military exhibition in Abu Dhabi, a show piece event for Saudi Arabia’s close ally the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia, among the top five defence spenders in the world, has been fighting a costly war in Yemen since 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government against the armed Houthi movement.

The latest agreement includes building warships, frigates, corvettes and related items in Saudi Arabia through a majority SAMI-owned joint venture with the French firm, SAMI Chief Executive Andreas Schwer told reporters.

“Through design, construction, and maintenance activities the joint venture will contribute significantly to further enhance the capabilities and readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces,” he said.

Saudi Arabia set up SAMI in 2017 to develop manufacturing capabilities with the aim of producing half of the country’s required military equipment domestically by 2030.

The localisation of Saudi Arabia’s military needs is part of efforts led by de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify away from an oil-based economy.

Neighbour UAE has heavily invested in developing its own manufacturing capabilities and has military and civilian contracts with several foreign companies.

SAMI signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi state-fund Mubadala on Saturday to co-invest in manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering.

Military deals with Saudi Arabia have come under renewed scrutiny since the October killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Germany halted arms exports to Saudi Arabia over what it said was the uncertainty surrounding the murder.

Paramount Group Chairman Ivor Ichikowitz said that had created a “huge opportunity” for those outside of Europe such as his South African defence firm.

“I think some of them may be quite short sighted but quite honestly that is their problem and we are quite happy to be continuing,” he said.

Paramount has held talks with the Saudi Arabian government to establish production facilities in the kingdom.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2019