Uncrewed Turret Technology is set to advance significantly in Saudi Arabia following a landmark collaboration between Lockheed Martin and ERAF Industrial Co. Ltd. The two defense industry leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the World Defense Show in Riyadh on February 10, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the Kingdom’s defense manufacturing capabilities and its Vision 2030 objectives.
The partnership will explore opportunities for developing and producing advanced uncrewed turret systems within Saudi Arabia, directly supporting the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) localization efforts. This collaboration represents a strategic alignment between international defense expertise and Saudi Arabia’s growing industrial capacity.
Strategic Collaboration Framework
Under the MOU, Lockheed Martin and ERAF will work together on multiple fronts to establish a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem. The agreement encompasses technology transfer, engineering and production expertise sharing, investment support, and research and development advancement. This comprehensive approach aims to create Saudi-sovereign capability while strengthening the Kingdom’s defense industrial base.
The initiative also supports U.S. employment and enhances the resilience of America’s defense industrial base globally. By combining Lockheed Martin’s two decades of experience in complex turret systems with ERAF’s expanding in-kingdom manufacturing capacity, the partnership is positioned to deliver operationally relevant capabilities at an accelerated pace.
Advanced Uncrewed Turret Technology Capabilities
The Uncrewed Turret Technology at the heart of this collaboration features a platform- and weapon-agnostic design with modular, open-architecture engineering. This ensures seamless integration and interoperability across various defense platforms. Lockheed Martin will leverage its extensive experience in integration, testing, support, and training to provide comprehensive through-life support for the product.
“By combining Lockheed Martin’s two decades of experience in complex turret systems and defense manufacturing with ERAF’s growing in-kingdom manufacturing capacity, we are creating a partnership that is focused on delivering operationally relevant capability at pace. In an increasingly complex and fast-evolving threat environment, this collaboration ensures armed forces have access to safe, accurate, reliable and proven systems, while building sustainable capability for the future.”
Mark Langley, Head of Complex Systems, Lockheed Martin UK
Vision 2030 Alignment and Economic Impact
The partnership strengthens Lockheed Martin’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia and demonstrates tangible support for the nation’s defense sector growth under Vision 2030. By deepening this collaboration, new pathways are opening for the U.S. defense sector to work with Saudi Arabia on uncrewed-technology solutions that enhance the Kingdom’s capabilities while expanding Lockheed Martin’s global market opportunities.
“Partnering with Lockheed Martin is a significant milestone in ERAF’s ambition to become a leading defense manufacturing company in the kingdom. Lockheed Martin brings deep expertise in advanced turret systems, integration and defense manufacturing, which will be instrumental in accelerating our operational readiness. This MOU reinforces our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling technology transfer, skills development and creating high-value industrial capability within Saudi Arabia.”
Fahad Al-Ameel, Managing Director, ERAF
Future Outlook for Defense Manufacturing
This collaboration represents more than a business agreement; it signifies a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense sovereignty and technological advancement. The partnership will create high-value jobs, develop local skills, and establish sustainable industrial capabilities that will serve the Kingdom for decades to come. As global security challenges continue to evolve, such partnerships ensure that armed forces have access to cutting-edge, proven defense systems while building the foundation for future innovation and self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
