HEET Armored Vehicles have been officially launched by SAMI Ground Systems, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and one of the Public Investment Fund’s portfolio companies, during the third edition of the World Defense Show 2026. This comprehensive national project was developed with complete Saudi intellectual property and design, manufactured entirely within the Kingdom by 100% national workforce, contributing to enhancing the readiness of the armed forces and strengthening their operational capabilities.
Advanced Manufacturing Complex for Defense Systems
The HEET Armored Vehicles project will be produced at the SAMI Industrial Complex for Ground Systems, the largest integrated industrial complex of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. Spanning 82,000 square meters within an industrial zone extending over one million square meters, the facility operates according to Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence solutions, Internet of Things, and industrial robotics to enhance operational efficiency and elevate production quality according to the highest international standards.
The complex represents a strategic pillar for building an advanced national manufacturing base in the defense ground platforms sector and serves as a national center for local production, technology transfer, and training. It provides more than 1,000 specialized jobs for Saudis and constitutes a center of excellence in the manufacture of wheeled and tracked armored vehicles and armed turrets, with manufacturing, testing, and maintenance capacity reaching 1,500 military vehicles annually, supporting the sustainability of national supply chains and enhancing defense industrial readiness.
Strategic Milestone in Defense Capabilities
The launch of the HEET project represents a strategic milestone in the path of building national defense industrial capabilities, reflecting the Kingdom’s transition to an advanced stage of possessing engineering and design knowledge and enhancing industrial sovereignty in the ground systems sector. The project was developed by an elite group of Saudi engineers and specialists within an industrial environment that relies on the latest technologies, reflecting the development of national capabilities and their readiness to implement comprehensive defense programs with long-term strategic dimensions.
Multiple Vehicle Configurations and Advanced Features
The HEET project produces multiple categories of wheeled armored vehicles (4×4), (6×6), and (8×8), distinguished by high mobility and maneuverability capabilities in various operational environments, including paved, desert, and rugged terrains. The vehicles feature advanced armor systems, integrated command and control systems, optional manned or unmanned weapon systems, advanced ballistic protection systems, and flexible modular design that allows multiple uses, in addition to advanced system integration and efficiency compared to similar platforms in the same category globally.
The integration of the “Ru’ya” combat armed turret system with 12.7mm caliber, equipped with high-precision day and night targeting systems with full crew protection, is supported. The platform was designed to accommodate the integration of a 105mm caliber turret to provide direct fire support capabilities according to operational requirements.
Vision 2030 and Industrial Sovereignty
“The launch of the HEET vehicles project represents a strategic milestone in the path of establishing a comprehensive national defense and security industry based on Saudi efficiency and the ability to design, develop, and produce within the Kingdom.”
Engineer Mohammed Al-Hudeib, CEO of SAMI Ground Systems
Al-Hudeib emphasized that the project aims to support border protection missions, reconnaissance, rapid response, and ground operations, meeting the needs of military and security forces and raising the readiness of armed forces according to the highest international standards. This project confirms SAMI Group’s commitment to its role as a main driver for building a comprehensive national defense system, enhancing sovereign industrial capacity, and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at localizing military industries and building a sustainable defense industrial base under Saudi national leadership.
