Taqnia and Sikorsky to Explore Helicopter Business Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Sikorsky has signed an agreement with Taqnia Aeronautics to jointly explore helicopter production opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The agreement outlines the investment, technology and skills needed to establish production jobs for Saudi citizens, and could lead to direct involvement in the assembly of Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk helicopters in the Kingdom.

“Entering into this agreement will give Taqnia Aeronautics the foundation to create a helicopter assembly operation in Saudi Arabia and assist in developing local content,” said Major General (retired) Ali Al-Ghamdi, Taqnia Aeronautics CEO. “Together we are forging a relationship with a company owned by Lockheed Martin, a global technology leader, which can help grow Saudi  involvement in capabilities that are important to the Kingdom’s sustained economic growth.”

In Saudi Arabia, Lockheed Martin partners with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and Al-Faisal University in Riyadh, helping to develop the next generation of talented young Saudi professionals. The company has also partnered with Babson College to launch a Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Kingdom.

Anand Stanley, Sikorsky Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, “We have laid the foundation for a potential new business where Saudi nationals will support the Kingdom’s continued need for rotary wing products for many years to come.”

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of National Guard and Ministry of Interior currently operate a fleet of Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters. The Ministry of Interior also operates Sikorsky’s S-92 commercial heavy lift helicopters.

Sikorsky is under contract to deliver Seahawk helicopters via the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program to the Ministry of Defense.

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