Saudi Arabia has reached a pivotal milestone in its defence diversification drive, with close to a quarter of its military spending now localised as part of the ambitious goals set out under Vision 2030. Senior officials at the World Defence Show in Riyadh said the Kingdom achieved roughly 25 per cent localisation of defence procurement by the end of 2024, positioning it on course to meet its target of 50 per cent by 2030 as outlined in the national transformation agenda.

The localisation effort, overseen by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), reflects a strategic push to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, strengthen national industrial capacity and enhance supply chain resilience.

Officials emphasised that expanding small and medium enterprises’ role in defence manufacturing is central to long-term national readiness and economic diversification.

The progress underscores broader structural reforms under Vision 2030, which has guided Saudi Arabia’s transformation since its launch in 2016 and includes goals for local industry development across multiple sectors.

Analysts say achieving the localisation target would significantly reduce foreign dependence and create high-value jobs in advanced manufacturing, research and development.

Saudi Arabia’s advancement in defence localisation has been supported by regulatory reforms, international partnerships and incentives to attract foreign investment, reflecting Riyadh’s commitment to integrating domestic firms into global supply chains.

As the Kingdom approaches the midway point of its defence industrialisation goal, authorities have signalled sustained momentum toward building a robust, self-sufficient military-industrial base aligned with broader economic and security objectives.