JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 11, 2025 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Arabian International Company for Steel Structures (AIC Steel) have reached a significant milestone in the local production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launcher components. The achievement was celebrated at AIC’s Jeddah facility, with the participation of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President Tim Cahill, GAMI Assistant Deputy Nawaf Albawardi, and AIC Steel President Wasim Attieh.
This milestone underscores the successful collaboration between Lockheed Martin and AIC Steel, enhancing the Kingdom’s defense capabilities and contributing to Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives. The locally-produced THAAD components demonstrate the potential of local manufacturing to support critical defense systems, ensuring sustainability and resilience for the U.S. supply chain.
Local Manufacturing Boosts Saudi Defense Industry
AIC Steel’s expertise in precision welding and advanced manufacturing techniques was instrumental in producing the first locally-manufactured components for the THAAD launcher. This achievement not only demonstrates the company’s technical capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of local manufacturing in bolstering the country’s defense industrial base.
Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, praised the collaboration, stating, “This is a tremendous milestone for the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as our nations work to fulfill the Kingdom’s THAAD procurement. Through this program, we’re not only supporting Saudi Vision 2030 but also generating high-quality manufacturing jobs in the United States.”
Strengthening U.S.-Saudi Defense Partnership
The successful localization of THAAD launcher components is a testament to the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and AIC Steel. Wasim Attieh, President of AIC Steel, expressed his gratitude for the support from Lockheed Martin and GAMI throughout the project. He highlighted the critical role of knowledge transfer and training in achieving this milestone.
“Lockheed Martin has been an excellent partner in providing the tools and training necessary to advance the localized production of such a major component of the THAAD Weapon System,” said Attieh.
THAAD, known for its combat-proven hit-to-kill capability, is a vital part of global air defense strategies. It offers protection against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, ensuring regional security and stability.
The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and AIC Steel is a clear demonstration of how international partnerships can drive local industry development while enhancing global defense capabilities.