RIYADH - In recent months, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to diversify its air defenses and expand its local defense industry. In February, Lockheed Martin awarded two subcontracts to Saudi companies for manufacturing components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, making Saudi Arabia the first country outside the U.S. to produce these parts locally. Riyadh had ordered 44 THAAD launchers and 360 interceptor missiles in a 2017 deal worth $15 billion, with the first systems set to be operational by 2026.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia signed a $3.2 billion deal with South Korea in November for 10 KM-SAM Block II medium-range air defense systems. This agreement includes technology transfers and establishes a committee to develop defense industry cooperation.

The urgency of bolstering air defenses is underscored by regional conflicts, including the current Gaza war and previous Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Diversifying its suppliers and producing defense components locally will reduce Saudi dependency on any single source and enhance its ability to maintain and operate its air defense systems independently. These moves reflect Riyadh's strategic shift to a more self-reliant and resilient defense posture.

Source: Forbes
Associated URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2024/05/14/saudi-arabia-diversifying-air-defenses-and-boosting-local-industries/?sh=43963152377d

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Ministry of Defense announced 40 defense agreements worth RM7.3 billion ($1.5 billion) the Defense Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2024 exhibition. The agreements include seven contracts worth RM1.9 billion ($405.7 million), 10 memorandums of understanding with a potential value of RM280 million ($59.8 million), 17 letters of acceptance worth RM3.3 billion ($704.7 million), and four letters of intent worth RM1.8 billion ($384.4 million).

The Army is slated to receive 18 anti-tank guided weapon - medium range (ATGW-MR) from an unspecified Turkish manufacturer, which will be used by infantry battalions.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force will receive a new air surveillance radar and air traffic control system to help monitor and control Malaysian airspace.

The government also signed maintenance agreements for the Royal Malaysian Navy's surface fleet, submarines, and helicopters. Contracts were also signed to continue refit work for three vessels, the KD Jebat frigate, the KD Perak corvette, and the KD Baung fast gunboat.

Notable LOIs include a RM392 million deal with Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd for floating pressure turbines for A400M aircraft, and a RM378 million agreement with BHIC Aeroservices Sdn Bhd for in-service support of the Airbus H225M (EC 725) long-range tactical transport helicopter.

Source: Malaymail
Associated URL: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/08/mindef-40-agreements-worth-rm73b-signed-at-dsa-2024-and-natsec-asia-2024/133238

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) have finalized a formal agreement for a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development (GCD) Project Arrangement under the U.S.-Japan bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E).

By pursuing an agreement on GPI development, the U.S. and Japan will strengthen regional deterrence while enhancing long-standing missile defense cooperation between the two countries.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is leading the development of GPI for the DoD, which will provide hypersonic missile defense capability during the glide-phase portion of hypersonic flight. Per the signed GPI Cooperative Development (GCD), Japan will lead development of rocket motors and propulsion components of GPI.

GPI will deliver a regional defensive capability over time as part of a holistic layered defensive architecture. The GPI co-development will build upon long-standing U.S.-Japan missile defense cooperation and strengthen the Alliance deterrence posture.

Source: DoD
Associated URL: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3775546/us-department-of-defense-statement-on-the-signing-of-the-glide-phase-intercepto/