L3Harris Expands Defense Collaboration in Saudi Arabia

In the defense and security sector, particularly in command-and-control systems, intelligence, and advanced digital capabilities, industrial collaboration is increasingly linked to national sovereignty and technology localization. L3Harris Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Military Industries to evaluate new investment opportunities focused on advanced defense capabilities.

The agreement centers on strengthening the local value chain for artificial intelligence applications and resilient command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. These technologies are critical for modern armed forces operating in multi-domain environments where data processing, secure connectivity, and rapid decision-making are essential.

Focus on AI and Resilient C4ISR Architectures
The MOU includes an assessment of how AI-enabled solutions and secure C4ISR infrastructures can be further developed and localized within the Kingdom. This approach supports the growing requirement for software-defined defense systems that combine real-time data fusion, secure communications networks, and scalable intelligence platforms.

Resilient C4ISR architectures are designed to maintain operational continuity under contested or degraded conditions. By evaluating local production, integration, and sustainment capabilities, the collaboration aims to align technology deployment with national industrial development goals.

Jennifer Hanley, Vice President, International, L3Harris, stated that the agreement represents a step toward expanding localized capabilities aligned with the Kingdom’s development plans and national security requirements.

Continuity of Long-Term Industrial Cooperation
The new MOU builds on existing cooperation frameworks, including the SAMI L3Harris joint venture established in 2019. That collaboration laid the foundation for in-country capability development and technology transfer in selected defense domains.

With this latest agreement, L3Harris and Saudi stakeholders will further examine opportunities to expand advanced defense collaboration, particularly in areas where AI integration and secure communications are becoming central to operational effectiveness.

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