Turkish Defence Firm ARES Naval to Establish Shipbuilding Operations in Saudi Arabia with Two New Yards
Expansion into the Kingdom will build sovereign naval capacity and strengthen Riyadh–Ankara defence industrial ties
Turkish defence contractor ARES Naval has announced plans to establish a significant shipbuilding presence in Saudi Arabia through the launch of ARES Naval Saudi Arabia, which will operate two shipyards dedicated to warship construction and maintenance.
The initiative, which marks one of the most ambitious foreign industrial ventures by a Turkish maritime manufacturer in the Middle East, was unveiled by ARES CEO Onur Altan in Riyadh during strategic discussions with Saudi defence and economic officials.
ARES Naval Saudi Arabia will focus on building a range of combat and patrol vessels tailored to the requirements of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, supporting the Kingdom’s drive to enhance its indigenous defence manufacturing base as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. The two shipyards, set to be sited in key coastal industrial zones, will specialise in modular construction techniques and incorporate advanced systems integration capabilities, enabling high local content and technology transfer.
Altan emphasised that the venture aims to generate significant employment for Saudi engineers and skilled workers, while fostering long-term cooperation in naval technology development.
Senior executives from ARES Naval and Saudi partners described the project as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral defence industrial cooperation, complementing existing agreements on training, logistics and naval support services.
The Saudi facilities are expected to work in close partnership with ARES Naval’s Turkish headquarters and its global supply chain, integrating design, production and maintenance functions to support both domestic demand and potential exports within the region.
The new shipyards align with Riyadh’s strategic objective to build sovereign defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers by localising production of key military assets.
Saudi officials noted that the initiative contributes to industrial development goals and enhances the Kingdom’s capacity to maintain and upgrade its naval fleet, which plays a vital role in securing critical maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf.
ARES Naval’s expansion also reflects growing defence ties between Ankara and Riyadh, with shared interests in regional security and the modernisation of maritime forces.
Company representatives indicated that construction of the first facilities could begin within the next year, subject to regulatory approvals and joint planning agreements, positioning the Kingdom as a new hub for advanced naval shipbuilding in the Middle East.
The initiative, which marks one of the most ambitious foreign industrial ventures by a Turkish maritime manufacturer in the Middle East, was unveiled by ARES CEO Onur Altan in Riyadh during strategic discussions with Saudi defence and economic officials.
ARES Naval Saudi Arabia will focus on building a range of combat and patrol vessels tailored to the requirements of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, supporting the Kingdom’s drive to enhance its indigenous defence manufacturing base as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030. The two shipyards, set to be sited in key coastal industrial zones, will specialise in modular construction techniques and incorporate advanced systems integration capabilities, enabling high local content and technology transfer.
Altan emphasised that the venture aims to generate significant employment for Saudi engineers and skilled workers, while fostering long-term cooperation in naval technology development.
Senior executives from ARES Naval and Saudi partners described the project as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral defence industrial cooperation, complementing existing agreements on training, logistics and naval support services.
The Saudi facilities are expected to work in close partnership with ARES Naval’s Turkish headquarters and its global supply chain, integrating design, production and maintenance functions to support both domestic demand and potential exports within the region.
The new shipyards align with Riyadh’s strategic objective to build sovereign defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers by localising production of key military assets.
Saudi officials noted that the initiative contributes to industrial development goals and enhances the Kingdom’s capacity to maintain and upgrade its naval fleet, which plays a vital role in securing critical maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf.
ARES Naval’s expansion also reflects growing defence ties between Ankara and Riyadh, with shared interests in regional security and the modernisation of maritime forces.
Company representatives indicated that construction of the first facilities could begin within the next year, subject to regulatory approvals and joint planning agreements, positioning the Kingdom as a new hub for advanced naval shipbuilding in the Middle East.
