REVELATION 10:5-6And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, THAT THERE SHOULD BE TIME NO LONGER:
Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for THAT DAY IS GREAT, SO THAT NONE IS LIKE IT: IT IS EVEN THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE, but he [Israel’s Believing Remnant at the end of the seven year tribulation} shall be saved out of it.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, WHICH SHALL COME UPON ALL THE WORLD, TO TRY THEM THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! FOR THE DEVIL IS COME DOWN UNTO YOU, HAVING GREAT WRATH, BECAUSE HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST:
And I saw heaven opened, and BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT UPON HIM WAS CALLED FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and UNDERSTAND THAT I AM HE: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore THEY SHALL KNOW IN THAT DAY THAT I AM HE THAT DOTH SPEAK: BEHOLD, IT IS I.
Luke 21:28 And WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS, THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH.
In His Service,
Night Watchman
Paul Rolland
Night Watchman Ministries
https://nightwatchmanministries.substack.com
Make Your (7) Decision for Christ NOW!!!!!!! Time is Up!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ’s Offer of Salvation:
The ABCs (7) of Salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb)
- (7) Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask (7) God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.
. . . “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
. . . “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10).
. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8).
B. Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that (7) Jesus Christ is who He claimed to (7) be; that He was both fully God (7) and fully man and that we are (7) saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. (7) Put your trust in Him as your (7) only hope of salvation. Become a son (7) or daughter of God by receiving Christ. (7777777) 7×7
. . . “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).
C. Call upon His name, Confess (7) with your heart and with your lips (7) that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.
. . . “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- THE BEAST’S DEFEAT AT THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
- SAUDI ARABIA HIGHLIGHTS MILITARY GROWTH AT AIRSHOW CHINA
- SIX-FOLD DESCRIPTION OF THE WAR OF ARMAGEDDON
- SAUDI ARABIA TO BOOST MILITARY SECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS AT AIRSHOW CHINA 2024
- SEVEN-FOLD DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST ON THE DAY OF THE LORD (BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON)
- SAUDI ARABIA’S GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR MILITARY INDUSTRIES TO DEVELOP 21 MILITARY TECHNOLOGIES OVER NEXT 7 YEARS, BY 2030
- SEVEN-FOLD REFERENCE TO THE DAY OF THE LORD
- SAMI AIMS TO MAKE SAUDI ARABIA A DEFENSE INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE BY 2030
- SAMI LAUNCHES INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN SAUDI DEFENSE INDUSTRY CAPABILITY AT WORLD DEFENCE SHOW 2024
- GAMI, GACA SIGN DEAL TO ENABLE ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY IN SAUDI ARABIA
- SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO ALLOW TOUGHER NUCLEAR OVERSIGHT BY IAEA THIS YEAR
- MBS: WE WILL GET NUCLEAR WEAPON IF IRAN DOES
- US-SAUDI DEFENSE DEAL WITH CIVIL NUCLEAR COMPONENT NEARS COMPLETION, OFFICIAL SAYS
- SAUDI ARABIA REPORTEDLY INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO ACQUIRE HYPERSONIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGY
- SAUDI ARABIA-CHINA: A HYPERSONIC DEAL DRAWING CLOSER?
- SAUDI PRINCE ON ENHANCING DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH CHINA
- SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN (MBS) INTENDS TO EXPAND DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA IN SEVERAL DOMAINS
- SAUDI ARABIA: SPACE INDUSTRY AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA
- SAUDI ARABIA: UPDATES ON THE SPACE INDUSTRY AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA
- SAUDI KEY FIGURES INVOLVED IN DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHINA
- SAUDI 2024 PLANS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR UAV PROJECTS WITH CHINA
- SAUDI DEFENSE BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FOR 2024
- RUSSIA’S NEW HYPERSONIC MISSILE: IMPOSSIBLE TO SHOOT DOWN?
- SAUDI MBS DETERMINED TO ACQUIRE RUSSIAN HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES
- SAUDI ARABIA’S HYPERSONIC MISSILE RUSH: OPTIONS AND STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
- SAUDI ARABIA’S HYPERSONIC AMBITIONS: PROCUREMENT PRIORITIES, TIMETABLE, AND SUPPLIERS
- SAUDI ARABIA, CHINA AND HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFER
- SAUDI ARABIA: ON HYPERSONIC WEAPONS PRIORITIES
- INDIA’S DEFENSE DIPLOMACY IN THE GULF IS GROWING
- INDIA, SAUDI ARABIA EXPLORE NEW AVENUES OF DEFENCE COOPERATION
- INDIA, SAUDI ARABIA DISCUSS AVENUES TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION
- SAUDI ARABIA, INDIA DISCUSS WAYS TO BOLSTER STRATEGIC DEFENSE COOPERATION
- RELATIONS WITH INDIA BUILT ON A LONG-STANDING FOUNDATION OF COOPERATION & MUTUAL RESPECT: SAUDI FM
- SAUDI, JAPANESE DEFENSE MINISTERS MEET TO BOLSTER SECURITY COOPERATION
- SAUDI, JAPANESE MINISTERS OF DEFENSE DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS, MILITARY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION
- YOON TOUTS DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN S. KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA
- OFFICIALS DISCUSS SAUDI-SOUTH KOREAN COOPERATION IN NUCLEAR POWER AND DEFENSE
- SOUTH KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA SIGN AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE COOPERATION
- INDONESIAN-SAUDI TIES TO GROW UNDER NEW GOVERNMENT, AMBASSADOR SAYS
- INDONESIA INVITES SAUDI ARABIA TO DEVELOP ITS DEFENSE INDUSTRY
- SAUDI, INDONESIAN MINISTERS DISCUSS ENHANCING MILITARY, DEFENSE TIES
- EU-GCC: TIME LOOKS RIPE FOR SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION
- THE EU-GCC SUMMIT
- NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
THE BEAST’S DEFEAT AT THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
ARMAGEDDON, AND THE ANTICHRIST OR MAHDI. MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN.
12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon THE GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF WAS DRIED UP, THAT THE WAY OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THE BEAST, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, WHICH GO FORTH UNTO THE KINGS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD, TO GATHER THEM TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW TONGUE ARMAGEDDON.
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
ARMAGEDDON – CITY BUILT FOR WAR!
2 Peter 3:9-11
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come
to repentance.
10 BUT THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT; IN THE
WHICH THE HEAVENS SHALL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT NOISE, AND THE
ELEMENTS SHALL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT, THE EARTH ALSO AND THE WORKS
THAT ARE THEREIN SHALL BE BURNED UP.
11 Seeing then that ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE DISSOLVED, what manner of
persons ought ye to be in all holy conversaon and godliness,
BREAKING DOWN ARMAGEDDON: THE LAST WAR!
Joel 3:9 Proclaim ye this among the Genles; PREPARE WAR, WAKE UP THE MIGHTY MEN, LET ALL THE MEN OF WAR DRAW NEAR; LET THEM COME UP:
10 BEAT YOUR PLOWSHARES INTO SWORDS AND YOUR PRUNINGHOOKS INTO SPEARS: let the weak say, I am strong.
11 ASSEMBLE YOURSELVES, AND COME, ALL YE HEATHEN, AND GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER ROUND ABOUT: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord.
12 LET THE HEATHEN BE WAKENED, AND COME UP TO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT: FOR THERE WILL I SIT TO JUDGE ALL THE HEATHEN ROUND ABOUT.
13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
14 MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION.
15 THE SUN AND THE MOON SHALL BE DARKENED, AND THE STARS SHALL WITHDRAW THEIR SHINING.
Isaiah 21:6 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, GO, SET A WATCHMAN, LET HIM DECLARE WHAT HE SEETH.
Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee A WATCHMAN UNTO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and GIVE THEM WARNING FROM ME.
Ezekiel 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.
Ezekiel 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set THEE A WATCHMAN UNTO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, AND WARN THEM FROM ME.
ANTICHRIST WILL BRING PEACE TO THE MIDDLE EAST?
Zechariah 12 THE BURDEN OF THE WORD OF THE LORD FOR ISRAEL, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
2 Behold, I WILL MAKE JERUSALEM A CUP OF TREMBLING UNTO ALL THE PEOPLE ROUND ABOUT, WHEN THEY SHALL BE IN THE SIEGE BOTH AGAINST JUDAH AND AGAINST JERUSALEM.
3 And in that day will I MAKE JERUSALEM A BURDENSOME STONE FOR ALL PEOPLE: ALL THAT BURDEN THEMSELVES WITH IT SHALL BE CUT IN PIECES, THOUGH ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH BE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST IT.
Revelation 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto THE SON OF MAN, HAVING ON HIS HEAD A GOLDEN CROWN, AND IN HIS HAND A SHARP SICKLE.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, THRUST IN THY SICKLE, AND REAP: FOR THE TIME IS COME FOR THEE TO REAP; FOR THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE.
16 And HE THAT SAT ON THE CLOUD THRUST IN HIS SICKLE ON THE EARTH; AND THE EARTH WAS REAPED.
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with A LOUD CRY TO HIM THAT HAD THE SHARP SICKLE, SAYING, THRUST IN THY SHARP SICKLE, AND GATHER THE CLUSTERS OF THE VINE OF THE EARTH; FOR HER GRAPES ARE FULLY RIPE.
19 And THE ANGEL THRUST IN HIS SICKLE INTO THE EARTH, AND GATHERED THE VINE OF THE EARTH, AND CAST IT INTO THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH OF GOD.
20 And THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN WITHOUT THE CITY, AND BLOOD CAME OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, EVEN UNTO THE HORSE BRIDLES, BY THE SPACE OF A THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED FURLONGS.
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and THE SUN BECAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR, AND THE MOON BECAME AS BLOOD;
13 And THE STARS OF HEAVEN FELL UNTO THE EARTH, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And THE HEAVEN DEPARTED AS A SCROLL WHEN IT IS ROLLED TOGETHER; AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WERE MOVED OUT OF THEIR PLACES.
15 And THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, HID THEMSELVES IN THE DENS AND IN THE ROCKS OF THE MOUNTAINS;
16 And SAID TO THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB:
17 FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?
SAUDI ARABIA HIGHLIGHTS MILITARY GROWTH AT AIRSHOW CHINA
Updated 1 min 4 sec ago Arab News November 12, 202416:50
RIYADH: Military products and the achievements of both government bodies and national companies are highlighted at the SAUDI PAVILION AT THIS YEAR’S CHINA INTERNATIONAL AVIATION AND AEROSPACE EXHIBITION.
AIRSHOW CHINA 2024, ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST AVIATION EXPOS, STARTED IN ZHUHAI ON TUESDAY AND WILL RUN UNTIL NOV. 17.
The Saudi pavilion features military products, particularly in aviation, and turns the spotlight on national companies that work in military industries. It also UNDERSCORES EFFORTS TO BOOST NATIONAL MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES AND THE AIM OF LOCALIZING OVER 50 PERCENT OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BY 2030.
Launching events at the pavilion was the governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Al-Ohali, who was joined by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and the Saudi ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Al-Harbi. Other officials, INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS AND AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DECISIONMAKERS WERE ALSO PRESENT.
Al-Ohali said: “THIS STRATEGIC PARTICIPATION, OCCURRING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CHINA, AIMS TO ENHANCE THE KINGDOM’S GLOBAL PRESENCE IN THE MILITARY INDUSTRIES SECTOR AND TO SOLIDIFY ITS POSITION AS ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMIES AMONG THE G20 NATIONS.
“Our participation also seeks to ESTABLISH FRUITFUL INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS TO EMPOWER AND DEVELOP THE MILITARY INDUSTRIES SECTOR, WHILE ALSO PROMOTING THE KINGDOM’S MESSAGE OF WELCOMING INVESTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. ADDITIONALLY, IT AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT THE KEY OBJECTIVES OF SAUDI VISION 2030 WITHIN THE MILITARY SECTOR.”
The defense sector is projected to contribute $17 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, with a $9 billion addition to non-oil revenues. This will generate 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by the end of the decade.
The Saudi pavilion features government bodies such as the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, as well as public national companies such as the National Company for Mechanical Systems, SAUDI WAKEB COMPANY FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS, Milestone Aviaon, and Homat Al-Watan Co.
The General Authority for Military Industries works closely with partners and government bodies TO EMPOWER NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES IN THE MILITARY INDUSTRY, ENHANCE THE DEFENSE SECTOR’S POTENTIAL, and create investment opportunities. It also focuses on localizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies to support Saudi economic growth and STRENGTHEN DEFENSE AND SECURITY INDEPENDENCE.
THE EUPHRATES RIVER IS DRYING UP
SIX-FOLD DESCRIPTION OF THE WAR OF ARMAGEDDON:
- “And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Rev. 14:20).
- “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF DRIED UP, THAT THE WAY OF THE KINGS OF THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED.” (Rev. 16:12).
- . . . “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, TO GATHER THEM TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.” (Rev. 16:14).
- . . . “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ARMAGEDDON.” (Rev. 16:16).
- . . . “THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14).
- “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11-21).
Commentary: This is the big one. The war to end all wars. The epic conflict between good and evil, in all of history. This battle will make other battles in history seem like minor skirmishes. The raw numbers of the combatants is mind boggling. The bloodshed is so great that its liquid volume is up to the height of horse bridles. Soldiers will be literally swimming and fighting in blood. It is an understatement to be able to imagine the horror, the smell, the flies, the imagery, the anguish, the pain. Birds, from far and wide, will sense the slaughter and flock to Armageddon to literally peck, feast and gorge on human carcasses . . . to the point that they can’t eat anymore.
The arrogance and evil of Satan and mankind is so great to think that they can defeat the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS with common military equipment (no matter how modernized). This self-deluded sense of power suggests insanity. A military analogy would be that of a ‘pee-shooter’ going up against a multi-headed nuclear weapon. A supernatural, one-sided, overwhelming victory is never questioned. The result is a foregone conclusion. The enemy should have surrendered before they even got into battle. Better yet, they should have never showed up in the first place. Instead, they should have spiritually surrendered to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins before they were physically annihilated
The analogies and metaphors could continue for pages. The Holy Spirit and Word of God makes sure to describe Jesus Christ in a way that defines who he is, his status, his power, his righteousness to judge and defeat evil, where he comes from, who he commands and who supports him (not that he needs it). There is no question that Jesus Christ and the armies of heaven represent another form of Almighty God’s wrath. This battle is a bolded, underlined exclamation point (!), by God, at the end of the seven (7) combined years of the Tribulation period, or the Week of Jacob’s trouble.
Military products and the achievements of related companies are being showcased and highlighted at the Saudi pavilion at Airshow China 2024. (SPA)
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT UPON HIM WAS CALLED FAITHFUL AND TRUE, AND IN RIGHTEOUSNESS HE DOTH JUDGE AND MAKE WAR.
12 HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE, AND ON HIS HEAD WERE MANY CROWNS; AND HE HAD A NAME WRITTEN, THAT NO MAN KNEW, BUT HE HIMSELF.
13 And HE WAS CLOTHED WITH A VESTURE DIPPED IN BLOOD: AND HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD.
14 And THE ARMIES WHICH WERE IN HEAVEN FOLLOWED HIM UPON WHITE HORSES, CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN.
15 And OUT OF HIS MOUTH GOETH A SHARP SWORD, THAT WITH IT HE SHOULD SMITE THE NATIONS: AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON: AND HE TREADETH THE WINEPRESS OF THE FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD.
16 AND HE HATH ON HIS VESTURE AND ON HIS THIGH A NAME WRITTEN, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may EAT THE FLESH OF KINGS, AND THE FLESH OF CAPTAINS, AND THE FLESH OF MIGHTY MEN, AND THE FLESH OF HORSES, AND OF THEM THAT SIT ON THEM, AND THE FLESH OF ALL MEN, BOTH FREE AND BOND, BOTH SMALL AND GREAT.
19 And I saw THE BEAST, AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, AND THEIR ARMIES, GATHERED TOGETHER TO MAKE WAR AGAINST HIM THAT SAT ON THE HORSE, AND AGAINST HIS ARMY.
20 And THE BEAST WAS TAKEN, AND WITH HIM THE FALSE PROPHET THAT WROUGHT MIRACLES BEFORE HIM, WITH WHICH HE DECEIVED THEM THAT HAD RECEIVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST, AND THEM THAT WORSHIPPED HIS IMAGE. THESE BOTH WERE CAST ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE.
21 And THE REMNANT WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD OF HIM THAT SAT UPON THE HORSE, WHICH SWORD PROCEEDED OUT OF HIS MOUTH: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
SAUDI ARABIA TO BOOST MILITARY SECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS AT AIRSHOW CHINA 2024
The General Authority for Military Industries, or GAMI, is coordinating the Saudi pavilion’s participation in the global event. File/GAMI
Updated 13 sec ago MOHAMMED AL-KINANI November 10, 202417:20 ARAB NEWS
JEDDAH: SAUDI ARABIA WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE 2024 CHINA AVIATION AND AEROSPACE EXHIBITION IN ZHUHAI, AIMING TO FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS AND FURTHER DEVELOP ITS MILITARY SECTOR.
The General Authority for Military Industries is coordinating the Saudi pavilion’s participation in the global event scheduled for Nov. 12 to 17. The display area will feature various government entities and national companies specializing in the military industry sector, offering a valuable opportunity to explore the latest advancements in technologies and equipment within the field.
THE KINGDOM’S DEFENSE SECTOR IS PROJECTED TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMY BY 2030, with an expected gross domestic product contribution of $17 billion and a direct addition of $9 billion to non-oil revenues. The division’s growth is set to create 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by the end of the decade.
Some 74 investment opportunities are emerging from efforts to develop and localize supply chains, with an estimated value of SR150 billion ($40 billion). THE TOTAL INVESTMENT CONTRIBUTION FROM THE DEFENSE SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO REACH $10 BILLION BY 2030, ACCORDING TO THE GAMI WEBSITE.
SAUDI ARABIA’S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL EVENTS MARKS A CRUCIAL STEP IN SOLIDIFYING THE KINGDOM’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE FASTESTGROWING ECONOMIES AMONG THE G20 NATIONS, SAID A STATEMENT BY GAMI. THE INITIATIVE ALSO EMPHASIZES THE COUNTRY’S COMMITMENT TO ATTRACTING GLOBAL INVESTORS AND ADVANCING THE OBJECTIVES OF SAUDI VISION 2030 WITHIN THE MILITARY SECTOR.
The Kingdom’s pavilion will showcase a range of military products and equipment, particularly in aviation, UNDERSCORING THE NATION’S EFFORTS TO ENHANCE NATIONAL MILITARY MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES. BY 2030, SAUDI ARABIA AIMS TO LOCALIZE OVER 50 PERCENT OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES.
The pavilion will also highlight the sector’s investment potential and the favorable environment for investments in the country’s defense and military industries.
ESTABLISHED IN 2017, GAMI COLLABORATES WITH GOVERNMENT ENTITIES AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS TO EMPOWER NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FIRMS WITHIN THE MILITARY INDUSTRY. THIS INITIATIVE AIMS TO LOCALIZE AND ENHANCE DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES, POSITIONING THE SECTOR AS A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO SAUDI ARABIA’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND DEFENSE INDEPENDENCE.
Several government bodies, including the Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Defense Development, are participating in the Saudi pavilion at the exhibition, alongside companies such as the National Co. for Mechanical Systems, WAKEB Co. for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Milestone Aviaon Services, and Homat Al-Watan Co, said the statement.
GAMI’s efforts, in partnership with the public and private sectors, support the growth of the national economy by establishing policies and regulations that create a good investment environment. The sector is now more accessible to investors due to its market size, cross-sector impact, competitive advantages, and GAMI’s focus on developing industrial participation programs and policies.
SEVEN-FOLD DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST ON THE DAY OF THE LORD (BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON):
- “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” (Rev. 19:11).
- “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.” (Rev. 19:12).
- “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13).
- “And the armies of which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19:14).
- “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev. 19:15).
- “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16).
- “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21).
Commentary: Twenty-one (21) ‘And’s’ = 3 x 7! HOLD on to your chairs! Count the number of ‘and’s’ in the seven (7) descriptions of Jesus Christ when he returns to earth on The Day of the Lord. There are 21 (twenty-one), hidden in plain sight within the seven general descriptions of Christ. The Holy Spirit keeps prompting John the Apostle to use the word ‘and’ because they are so many descriptions of Christ to be made in these seven (7) verses.
You may remember reading in one my other commentaries in this analysis that the number three (3) denotes emphasis and intensity, the number seven (7) denotes divinely determined completeness as to God’s purpose or plan. It is God’s purpose that the description of Jesus, on The Day of Lord, includes 21 attributes, descriptions and effects of his Son. There are so many indicated, that they literally have to be placed in seven (7) verses in order to be understood and differentiated from one another.
Only God has the omnipotence to be able to hide mathematical accuracy, precision and truth in His word. God’s will is infinitely specific, down to a word that is used, where it is used, and how often it used, and in the context that it used. In the sevenfold description of Christ, God’s word is miraculous, on so many levels, not just mathematically. Many of us have read these passages countless times and have come away with an understanding that they do describe Jesus Christ accurately and precisely. There is no question as to who is being described. Just when we think we know what he had read, God comes along and opens and stretches our minds a little bit more and gives us a little more insight and wisdom from his word. The word of God is truly living and not static!
SAUDI ARABIA’S GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR MILITARY INDUSTRIES TO DEVELOP 21 MILITARY TECHNOLOGIES OVER NEXT 7 YEARS, BY 2030
Updated 11 March 2020 Arab News March 10, 2024
GAMI’s role is to contribute to the interaction and cooperation between local and international stakeholders in order to promote the added-value of Saudi military industries
RIYADH: The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), during its participation in Riyadh’s 6th International Conference on Electronic Warfare and Radar, said that it had identified 21 MILITARY TECHNOLOGIES TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE SECTOR OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS.
“GAMI’s role is to contribute to the interaction and cooperation between local and international stakeholders IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE ADDED-VALUE OF SAUDI MILITARY INDUSTRIES,” said Abdullah bin Abdulrahman bin Zaraah, director of industry development at GAMI, during a panel discussion.
“The main stakeholders in the Kingdom are divided into THREE GROUPS: THE MILITARY, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS. They are all working to update their operations and activities in order to keep up with the sector’s new strategy, which will be announced by GAMI soon,” he added, noting: “The authority is continuing to develop the sector’s tight legislative framework, which includes the relation between all stakeholders, provides cooperation opportunities and encourages investments.”
“The new strategy identified 21 MILITARY TECHNOLOGIES DIVIDED INTO SEVEN CATEGORIES: ELECTRO-OPTICS, DIRECTED ENERGY, RADAR, RADIO, CYBERSECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, ELECTROMAGNETIC WEAPONS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.”
“GAMI is facing the challenge of building a young sector, which requires significant investments and support. It will rely on its competencies and PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL MILITARY INDUSTRIES,” Al-Zaraa pointed out.
“The long-term planning of the Kingdom’s military needs is essential to building local capabilities. Empowering local manufacturers and promoting their competitiveness will be vital to the sector’s advancement,” he stressed, commending the efforts exerted by the sector’s stakeholders TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM THAT ENABLES MILITARY BODIES TO DEVELOP FIVE-YEAR PLANS IDENTIFYING THEIR NEEDS.
“The executive regulations of the competitiveness and government procurement system helps overcome this challenge, while GAMI is developing incentive programs to bridge the competitiveness gap between the local and international manufacturers in the future.”
The 6th International Conference on Electronic Warfare and Radar is organized by the Ministry of Defense and King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology. It aims to introduce military experts and enthusiasts to THE NEWEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND RADAR.
GAMI’s participation as a sponsor comes from its keenness TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES OF ORGANIZING, DEVELOPING AND MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE KINGDOM’S MILITARY INDUSTRIES SECTOR, holding exhibitions, conferences, scientific forums and workshops related to military industries and procurements and organizing military research and development activities according to the regulations.
SEVEN-FOLD REFERENCE TO THE DAY OF THE LORD:
- “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 5:16-17).
- “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.”
- “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ARMAGEDDON.” (Rev. 16:16).
- “And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH OF GOD. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Rev. 14:19-20).
- “And THE TEN HORNS WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE TEN KINGS, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings on hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB, AND THE LAMB SHALL OVERCOME THEM: for he is Lord of lords and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chose and faithful.” (Rev. 17:12-14).
- “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse: and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness hedoth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And OUT OF HIS MOUTH GOETH A SHARP SWORD, THAT WITH IT HE SHOULD SMITE THE NATIONS: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth THE WINE-PRESS OF THE FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD. And he hath on his vesture and his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11-16).
- “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21).
Commentary: References to “The Day of the Lord” have been thrown around enough to be interpreted as pertaining to events occurring throughout the seven (7) year combined Tribulation period, or to be directly related to the very last day when Christ comes to earth (his second coming) with the armies of heaven.
Using the seven references listed above as a guide to God’s word, it is clear that an understanding to “THE DAY OF THE LORD” IS TO MEAN THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF CHRIST AND HIS VICTORY OVER HIS ENEMIES AT ARMAGEDDON. Each verse is very clear in describing Christ and what happens during this day. Although not directly described in these verses, other verses indicate that Babylon (city) is destroyed in just one hour, during Christ’s second coming.
Christ returns like a lion, roaring, full of glory, strength, judgement, righteousness, wrath and a sharp two-sided sword that is the word of God. He is able to destroy his enemies with just a word from his mouth, no multi-tipped nuclear missiles are needed. Christians who propose and subscribe to a ‘pre-trib’ rapture/harpazo (as do I), will quickly and accurately note that CHRIST RETURNS WITH A UNIQUE ARMY FROM HEAVEN. HE IS FOLLOWED BY PEOPLE RIDING WHITE HORSES CLOTHED IN WHITE LINEN (RIGHTEOUSNESS). THESE ARE THE REDEEMED IN CHRIST WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THEIR BELIEF IN CHRIST’S SALVATION FROM THE FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS.
Only the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS can give this righteousness to a person who has been raptured, glorified, partakes of the Bride’s supper and Bema seat judgement. The ‘blessed hope’ of these events occurr seven years prior to, and well in advance of the Day of the Lord’s second return to earth to conquer his enemies. Artists for countless centuries have tried, with varying degrees of success, to capture THE IMMENSE GLORY AND POWER OF CHRIST DURING HIS SECOND COMING ON THE DAY OF THE LORD. Man is woefully inadequate in his skill to capture and portray this event in its glory, intensity and scope.
SAMI AIMS TO MAKE SAUDI ARABIA A DEFENSE INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE BY 2030
SAUDI ARABIAN MILITARY INDUSTRIES (SAMI) IS A STATE-OWNED DEFENSE COMPANY, ENGAGED IN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS IN THE MIDDLE EASTERN REGION. FOUNDED IN MAY2017 AS PART OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030 LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLAN, the company was established after 15 months of consultation with external experts and specialists, with industry best practices and with the highest standards of operation and direction at its core.
SAMI’S PRIMARY MISSION IS TO DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCE WORLD-CLASS DEFENSE PRODUCTS, WHILE PROVIDING INDUSTRY-LEADING SERVICES TO UPGRADE AND ENHANCE THE KINGDOM’S DEFENSE SECTOR, CONSTANTLY ENSURING A SECURE, EFFICIENT AND CONSISTENT SUPPLY CHAIN FOR ITS DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS. Its underlying goal, as the kingdom’s defense research and manufacturing apparatus, is to serve and FUNCTION AS THE NUCLEUS OF SAUDI STRATEGIC NATIONAL DEFENSE, which primarily revolves around protecting critical Saudi infrastructure and borders.
SAMI IS OWNED BY THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT FUND – SAUDI ARABIA’S SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb serves as Chairman of the Board and Dr. Andreas Schwer, formerly CEO and Chairman of Rheinmetall International, serves as the SAMI’s Chief Executive Officer. THE COMPANY CURRENTLY MAINTAINS AN ARRAY OF FOREIGN PARTNERSHIPS WITH A NUMBER OF NATIONS AND HIGH-LEVEL DEFENSE CONTRACTORS. ITS 2019 OBJECTIVES INCLUDE CEMENTING FURTHER VENTURE CONTRACTS AND MUTUALLY-BENEFICIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH BRAND NAME CONTRACTORS IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES. In addition to its global goals, SAMI also asserts ITS MISSION OF BECOMING A REGIONAL POWERHOUSE IN THE MILITARY INDUSTRIES SECTOR, PROVIDING NEIGHBORING PARTNER NATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH ADVANCED DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES built with high locality rates.
In order to achieve its vision of being among the top 25 aerospace and defense companies worldwide by 2030, SAMI OPERATES FOUR MAJOR DIVISIONS, INCLUDING DEFENSE ELECTRONICS, LAND SYSTEMS, AERONAUTICS, AND WEAPONS AND MISSILES. Each division consists of a group of business units which synergize existing Saudi defense and defense research assets with JOINT VENTURES SIGNED WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS.
The DEFENSE ELECTRONICS DIVISION maintains a primary focus on various capabilities/command, control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I) systems and sensors, radar and microwave-based technologies. The division maintains a heavy focus on enhancing the kingdom’s electronic warfare and cyber warfare capabilities, as well as producing cutting-edge naval combat systems and communication systems for its diverse clientele.
The LAND SYSTEMS DIVISION focuses on the development and domestic production of wheeled and tracked armored vehicles, force protection systems, turret systems, logistics vehicles and next-generation unmanned ground vehicles for the kingdom’s national defense structure and foreign partners.
The AERONAUTICS DIVISION primarily focuses on the development, manufacturing, maintenance and repair of aircraft, including transport and airlift aircraft, manned combat rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, through integrating Saudi military industry production capabilities with technology transfers gained through joint ventures with SAMI’s numerous foreign partners.
The WEAPONS AND MISSILES DIVISION focuses on small arms and other conventional weaponry utilized by land forces, ground/air/sea launched missiles and guided weapons, launching systems, and ammunition for the Royal Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and other partner nations.
All divisions of the company and its underlying business units adhere to a 50 percent localization rule, boosting domestic production while creating more than 40,000 direct jobs in Saudi Arabia and over 100,000 indirect jobs over the next 12 years. IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE SAUDI VISION 2030’S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES, SAMI expects to contribute over USD $3.7 billion to the kingdom’s annual gross domestic product, with an investment of over USD $1.6 billion towards research and development processes, in order to ensure SAMI both meets and exceeds industry standards and advancements worldwide, while delivering the highest quality products and services to its domestic and international partners and clients.
SAMI LAUNCHES INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN SAUDI DEFENSE INDUSTRY CAPABILITY AT WORLD DEFENCE SHOW 2024
Riyadh, February 8, 2024, SPA — SAMI announced the launch of the Naval Systems Integration and Development (NSID) Center of Excellence for SAMI Navantia, a SAMI Sea Division company, marking another milestone for the Kingdom as the FIRST-EVER SAUDI-BASED HUB FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NAVAL SYSTEMS.
The center will enhance the current range of SAMI Navantia products and assist the development of new capabilities. It is designed to be a collaborative space for knowledge sharing between technological partners, universities, and potential customers, and IT WILL ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION OF ADVANCED SOLUTIONS BASED ON NEW TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) and cybersecurity.
The center contributes to the localization of defense industries through technology transfer and by nurturing national capabilities through on-the-job training programs. It will focus on enhancing and developing the combat management system, gunfire control system, integrated communication control system, integrated platform management system, and HAZEM simulation and training system.
In line with the INITIATIVES OF SAUDI VISION 2030, SAMI Navantia will offer Saudi products and aims to provide solutions through the NSID Center of Excellence to contribute to the LOCALIZATION OF 50 PERCENT OF THE KINGDOM’S MILITARY SPENDING BY 2030, in line with the localization process led by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). It will also contribute to empowering Saudi capabilities by strengthening their technical competencies and increasing their employment in the defense industry sector.
SAMI also signed a training agreement with the Academy of Defense Industries (ADI), a part of the Military Industry Human Capital (MIHC) strategy of GAMI, to launch the SAMI Apprenticeship Program. Supported by the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), the Program will sponsor selected candidates at ADI, provide them technical training, and offer them career opportunities at SAMI upon the successful completion of their studies.
The SAMI Apprentice Program will empower young Saudis with technical training to meet various job requirements across SAMI’s five business domains, covering FOUR KEY SPECIALIZATIONS: MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, CHEMICAL, AND ELECTRONICS. The pioneering vocational training program is a pivotal step towards creating opportunities young Saudis, fostering their technical capabilities, and shaping a promising future for the defense industry.
AT WORLD DEFENSE SHOW 2024, the company launched the first edition of the SAMI Women in Defense program, which provides a unique platform for empowering and enhancing the participation of women in the defense and security sector to achieve national aspirations.
The SAMI Women in Defense program includes multiple initiatives, with FOUR FOCUSED OBJECTIVES. THESE INCLUDE: ENHANCING THE NUMBER OF SAUDI WOMEN FOR JOBS IN CORE PROFESSIONS, including but not limited to;
- engineering and supply chain management, through hiring, academic scholarship and sponsorship programs;
- building and developing the capabilities of talented women through structured intervention initiatives;
- enabling competent women in leadership roles through continuous mentorship and coaching pathways;
- and creating a healthy work environment and fostering a culture of inclusion.
SAMI showcased its latest products and innovations across FIVE DEFENSE SECTORS: SAMI AEROSPACE SYSTEMS, SAMI DEFENSE SYSTEMS, SAMI ADVANCED ELECTRONICS, SAMI GROUND SYSTEMS, AND SAMI NAVAL SYSTEMS.
SAMI is dedicated to developing and enhancing national capabilities, staying at the forefront of the future by providing services, products, and innovations to support the readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces. SAMI aims to contribute to the localization of 50% of the Kingdom’s total government defense spending, in alignment with SAUDI VISION 2030, AND TO BE AMONG THE TOP 25 DEFENSE INDUSTRY COMPANIES IN THE WORLD BY 2030.
–SPA
22:18 Local Time 19:18 GMT
VISION 2030: SAUDI ARABIA PUSHES AHEAD WITH INDIGENOUS ARMED DRONES
GAMI, GACA SIGN DEAL TO ENABLE ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY IN SAUDI ARABIA
Updated 16 October 2024 Nadin Hassan October 16, 202412:13 ARAB NEWS
RIYADH: TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTING VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING AIRCRAFT AND UNMANNED PLANES WILL BE DEVELOPED IN SAUDI ARABIA thanks to a new agreement between the Kingdom’s military and aviation authorities.
The General Authority for Military Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Civil Aviation to develop advanced technologies and boost industrial capabilities in these areas. The agreement focuses on collaboration with the Advanced Air Mobility project, which aims to DEVELOP SYSTEMS TO ENABLE ADVANCED FLIGHT MODES IN THE KINGDOM, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The MoU was signed at GAMI’s headquarters in Riyadh by the authority’s governor, Ahmed Al-Ohali, and Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA. The agreement includes exchanging scientific and practical expertise between the two parties, emphasizing the development of working groups for related activities, conducting workshops, providing training, and sharing knowledge.
The partnership also covers traffic procedures for UNCREWED AIRLINERS.
The collaboration aims to expand opportunities for maintenance and repair service projects to support the aviation sector, contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry. The MoU is part of the GAMI’s ongoing efforts to regulate and support the localization and advancement of the military industries sector, with a particular focus on aerial mobility.
The move also underscores the body’s collaborative approach, working closely with supportive government entities to foster cooperation and exchange expertise, ALL IN LINE WITH THE BROADER GOALS OF SAUDI VISION 2030.
The agreement also aims to support the strategic goals of the aviation sector, which are spearheaded by GACA. These objectives focus on building partnerships to provide safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation solutions within a regulatory framework that follows international best practices.
GACA is working with leading local and global manufacturers to establish a strong regulatory framework that ensures the safe and efficient operation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, as well as the implementation of advanced air mobility technologies.
In September, Al-Duailej said during the International Civil Aviation Organization Advanced Air Mobility Symposium that was held in Montreal, Canada, that cutting-edge aviation is on track to transform the transportation, tourism, and HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND ACROSS THE WORLD, He underlined that THE KINGDOM IS COMMITTED TO A GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE FIELD.
In 2023, the industry’s market value reached $9.7 billion, with projections forecasting a climb to $50 billion by 2032.
This corresponds with over 200 cities in 57 countries planning to implement this technology, necessitating a unified global approach in regulation, technology, and investment.
THE GREATEST PROPHETIC PASSAGE IN THE BIBLE –THE FINAL BATTLE OF THE FINAL ERA OF HUMANITY
SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO ALLOW TOUGHER NUCLEAR OVERSIGHT BY IAEA THIS YEAR
Al Arabiya English Published: 16 September ,2024: 05:16 PM GST Updated: 16 September ,2024: 06:01 PM GST
SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO SCRAP LIGHT-TOUCH OVERSIGHT OF ITS NUCLEAR FACILITIES BY THE UN ATOMIC WATCHDOG AND SWITCH TO REGULAR SAFEGUARDS BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE KINGDOM SAID ON MONDAY, A STEP THE WATCHDOG HAS LONG BEEN CALLING FOR.
SAUDI ARABIA HAS A NASCENT NUCLEAR PROGRAM THAT IT WANTS TO EXPAND TO EVENTUALLY INCLUDE ACTIVITIES LIKE PROLIFERATION-SENSITIVE URANIUM ENRICHMENT. IT IS UNCLEAR WHERE ITS AMBITIONS END, SINCE CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN HAS SAID FOR YEARS IT WILL DEVELOP NUCLEAR WEAPONS IF IRAN DOES.
Riyadh has yet to fire up its first nuclear reactor, which allows its program to still be monitored under THE SMALL QUANTITIES PROTOCOL (SQP), AN AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY THAT EXEMPTS LESS ADVANCED STATES FROM MANY REPORTING OBLIGATIONS AND INSPECTIONS.
“THE KINGDOM … HAS SUBMITTED A REQUEST TO THE AGENCY IN JULY 2024 TO RESCIND THE SMALL QUANTITIES PROTOCOL AND IMPLEMENT TO THE FULL COMPREHENSIVE SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT,” Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the IAEA’s annual General Conference, speaking through an interpreter. “We are currently working with the agency to finalize all necessary subsidiary agreements for the SQP to be effectively rescinded by the end of December of this year.”
Prince Abdulaziz announced a year ago that his country had decided to scrap the SQP but HE DID NOT SAY WHEN IT WOULD SWITCH AND THERE WERE NO IMMEDIATE SIGNS THAT IT WAS FOLLOWING THROUGH.
IAEA CHIEF RAFAEL GROSSI HAS BEEN CALLING ON THE DOZENS OF STATES THAT STILL HAVE SQPS TO AMEND OR RESCIND THEM, CALLING THEM A “WEAKNESS” IN THE GLOBAL NON-PROLIFERATION REGIME. THE IAEA HAS FOR YEARS BEEN IN TALKS WITH RIYADH ON MAKING THE SWITCH TO A COMPREHENSIVE SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT THAT COVERS ISSUES LIKE INSPECTIONS IN COUNTRIES THAT HAVE RATIFIED THE NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY.
“SAUDI ARABIA’S DECISION TO RESCIND ITS SMALL QUANTITIES PROTOCOL INCREASES (THE IAEA)’S ABILITY TO VERIFY THE PEACEFUL USE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL IN THE COUNTRY,” Grossi said on social media platform X, adding he commended Riyadh for the move.
Neither Grossi nor Prince Abdulaziz mentioned the Additional Protocol, a supplementary agreement that allows more thorough oversight than the CSA, including snap inspections by the agency. While THE IAEA WOULD LIKE SAUDI ARABIA TO SIGN THE ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL, IT HAS BEEN UNCLEAR WHETHER IT WILL.
MBS: WE WILL GET NUCLEAR WEAPON IF IRAN DOES
Yaghoub Fazeli & Joanne Serrieh, Al Arabiya English Published: 20 September ,2023: 11:53 PM GSTUpdated: 21 September ,2023: 04:25 AM GST
SAUDI ARABIA’S CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN HAS WARNED THAT IF IRAN ACQUIRES A NUCLEAR WEAPON, THE KINGDOM WILL PURSUE A SIMILAR COURSE OF ACTION. IF IRAN GETS A NUCLEAR WEAPON, “WE HAVE TO GET ONE,” THE SAUDI LEADER, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS MBS, told Fox News in an interview aired on Wednesday.
Ties between Riyadh and Tehran have improved following an agreement in March, brokered by China, to reestablish diplomatic relations between the two countries after SEVEN YEARS OF NO FORMAL TIES. MBS said that Iran was treating the reconciliation efforts with Saudi Arabia with a sense of seriousness.
IRAN DENIES SEEKING NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
DISCUSSING EFFORTS TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND ISRAEL, MBS EXPRESSED OPTIMISM ABOUT THE PROGRESS BEING MADE, SAYING: “EVERY DAY WE GET CLOSER.”
He denied that US-brokered talks with Israel had been suspended.
ADDRESSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE IN THE CONTEXT OF NORMALIZATION WITH ISRAEL, MBS SAID: “FOR US, THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WE NEED TO SOLVE THAT PART.”
“WE GOT TO SEE WHERE WE GO. WE HOPE THAT WILL REACH A PLACE, THAT IT WILL EASE THE LIFE OF THE PALESTINIANS, GET ISRAEL AS A PLAYER IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” he added, speaking in English.
The Biden administration has been actively pursuing a diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Israel, akin to the Abraham Accords – a series of normalization agreements brokered by the US in 2020 between Israel and four Arab states during the Trump administration.
IN EXCHANGE FOR ANY AGREEMENT, SAUDI ARABIA HAS REITERATED ITS DEMAND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE AND OTHER CONCESSIONS FROM ISRAEL FOR THE PALESTINIANS.
Additionally, it has been reported that Saudi Arabia is seeking increased security commitments from the US as well as ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING ITS CIVILIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM.
ISRAEL’S FINAL BATTLE & CHRIST’S RETURN
US-SAUDI DEFENSE DEAL WITH CIVIL NUCLEAR COMPONENT NEARS COMPLETION, OFFICIAL SAYS
By Matt Spetalnick and Andrea Shalal May 21, 20249:46 PM EDT
WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) – THE U.S. AND SAUDI ARABIA HAVE REACHED A “NEAR FINAL SET OF ARRANGEMENTS” FOR A DEFENSE PACT THAT INCLUDES A CIVIL NUCLEAR COMPONENT BUT OBSTACLES REMAIN FOR A BROADER REGIONAL DEAL THAT WOULD NORMALIZE RELATIONS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND RIYADH, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.
The official said THE BILATERAL DEAL WAS “MORE OR LESS COMPLETE,” but cautioned that certain elements, including a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood and steps on stabilizing war-torn Gaza, still needed to be completed. “It is not done. Nobody here is going to say this is, you know, just right around the corner,” the Biden administration official said on condition of anonymity.
The official briefed reporters following a Middle East visit by WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER JAKE SULLIVAN, WHO HELD TALKS WITH SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN AND ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU.
THE U.S.-SAUDI AGREEMENT IS INTENDED AS PART OF A MIDDLE EAST “GRAND BARGAIN” to reshape the volatile region that President Joe Biden’s administration is trying to revive after it was derailed by Hamas’ Oct. 7 cross-border attack on Israel and the outbreak of war in Gaza.
Some experts have called it a long shot due to the many stumbling blocks.
NETANYAHU’S RESISTANCE TO COMMITTING TO AN EVENTUAL PALESTINIAN STATE, SOMETHING THE U.S. IS PUSHING FOR AND THE SAUDIS HAVE DEMANDED, IS A MAJOR OBSTACLE.
U.S. AND SAUDI NEGOTIATORS ARE SEEKING TO COMPLETE AN ACCORD THAT WOULD CALL FOR FORMAL U.S. GUARANTEES TO DEFEND THE KINGDOM AS WELL AS SAUDI ACCESS TO MORE ADVANCED U.S. WEAPONRY, IN RETURN FOR HALTING CHINESE ARMS PURCHASES and restricting Beijing’s investment in the country, people familiar with the matter have said.
CHINA REVOLUTIONARY HYPERSONIC WEAPON SHOCKED THE WORLD
“WE NOW HAVE A NEAR FINAL SET OF ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL BE THE BILATERAL ELEMENTS OF THIS DEAL,” the official said. But any Saudi pact is likely to face opposition in Congress, where many lawmakers have denounced Riyadh for intervention in Yemen, moves to prop up oil prices and its role in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
The senior official said on Tuesday that THE DEAL WOULD INCLUDE U.S. CIVILIAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION FOR THE SAUDIS STRUCTURED BY NONPROLIFERATION EXPERTS IN A “RIGOROUS WAY.”
SAUDI ARABIA, the world’s biggest oil exporter, WANTS U.S. ASSISTANCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO DEVELOP ITS OWN NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM. NEGOTIATORS HAVE ALSO BEEN DISCUSSING U.S. SALES OF ADVANCED F-35 FIGHTER JETS AND OTHER WEAPONS TO THE SAUDIS AS PART OF THE DEAL, a second U.S. official said on Monday.
SAUDI ARABIA REPORTEDLY INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO ACQUIRE HYPERSONIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGY
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman Abdulaziz was quoted by Middle Eastern defense media as saying that THE KINGDOM IS EXPLORING VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR ITS HYPERSONIC MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, INCLUDING POTENTIAL COLLABORATION WITH MOSCOW.
On Oct 28, 2024 defencesecurityasia.com
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Saudi Arabia and its defense industry are reportedly intensifying efforts to acquire hypersonic missile technology to compete with its main regional rival, Iran.
Iran already possesses hypersonic missiles and recently employed them successfully in attacks against Israel.
Riyadh has reportedly initiated discussions with Russia to explore the acquisition of this advanced missile technology.
According to Middle Eastern defense media, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman Abdulaziz confirmed the kingdom is evaluating various options for its hypersonic missile development project, including potential collaboration with Moscow.
Reports indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also shares the ambition to acquire hypersonic technology and is keen to expand defense cooperation with Russia.
However, Riyadh is keeping its options open in case the partnership with Russia does not materialize, considering collaborations with other countries possessing hypersonic missile technology.
Currently, only the United States, RUSSIA, NORTH KOREA, IRAN, AND CHINA ARE KNOWN TO HAVE DEVELOPED HYPERSONIC MISSILE CAPABILITIES.
SAUDI ARABIA FINDS ITSELF LAGGING BEHIND IRAN, WHICH INTRODUCED ITS HYPERSONIC MISSILES LAST YEAR, BECOMING THE FIRST MIDDLE EASTERN NATION TO POSSESS SUCH TECHNOLOGY.
IRAN’S HYPERSONIC MISSILES, NAMED “FATTAH-1” AND “FATTAH-2,” WERE UNVEILED IN 2023.
THE FIRST, “FATTAH-1,” CAN TRAVEL AT SPEEDS OF UP TO MACH 15, AND IRANIAN OFFICIALS CLAIM IT IS IMPERVIOUS TO INTERCEPTION BY ANY EXISTING AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS. PAINTED IN BLACK, THE MISSILE REPORTEDLY HAS A RANGE OF 1,400 KILOMETERS.
REGIONAL MILITARY ANALYSTS WARN THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE “FATTAH-1” HYPERSONIC MISSILE HAS HEIGHTENED CONCERNS IN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL OVER IRAN’S GROWING MISSILE CAPABILITIES.
IRANIAN MEDIA STATE THAT “FATTAH-1” HYPERSONIC MISSILE CAN CRUISE AT MACH 15—EQUIVALENT TO MORE THAN 5,000 METERS PER SECOND—RENDERING IT IMMUNE TO ADVANCED AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN BOTH THE U.S. AND ISRAEL.
“Its maneuverability and flight path at varying altitudes make it impossible to intercept with other air defence missiles,” a senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed.
IN NOVEMBER 2023, IRAN REVEALED AN UPGRADED VERSION CALLED “FATTAH-2,” CAPABLE OF REACHING SPEEDS BETWEEN MACH 15 AND MACH 20. IT WAS ALSO DESIGNED TO EVADE ALL AMERICAN AND ISRAELI ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS.
The unveiling took place during a visit by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to the Ashura Aerospace Science and Technology University, where these missiles are manufactured. The “Fattah-2” is reportedly equipped with a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) that ensures it reaches its maximum speed and extends its range beyond 1,400 kilometers.
IRANIAN AUTHORITIES CLAIM THAT THIS MISSILE COULD STRIKE TARGETS IN ISRAEL WITHIN SIX TO SEVEN MINUTES. With its HGV capabilities, the “Fattah-2” is expected to further reduce response times and has a minimal radar cross-section (RCS), making it difficult to detect.
Since 2022, IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARD HAS PURSUED THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERSONIC MISSILES AS PART OF A GENERATIONAL LEAP IN THE COUNTRY’S MISSILE TECHNOLOGY. The unveiling of the “Fattah-1” and “Fattah-2” missiles followed the launch of Iran’s FOURTH-GENERATION BALLISTIC MISSILE, “KHEIBAR,” in May 2023.
The “Kheibar” missile has a range of 2,000 kilometers, capable of reaching targets in Israel, and can carry a conventional warhead weighing up to 1,500 kilograms. Iranian military officials state that the missile can achieve speeds of Mach 15 outside the atmosphere and Mach 8 within it.
The introduction of these missiles has drawn criticism and condemnation from Western nations, particularly the United States and its ally, Israel. — DSA
THE CHINA’S NEW HYPERSONIC MISSILES WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY
SAUDI ARABIA-CHINA: A HYPERSONIC DEAL DRAWING CLOSER?
Friday, June 28, 2024 Tactical Report
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khaled Bin Salman led a Saudi delegation during an official visit to China on 25/6/2024. During the visit, SAUDI OFFICIALS DISCUSSED WITH THEIR CHINESE COUNTERPARTS DEFENSE COOPERATION IN SEVERAL FIELDS, INCLUDING HYPERSONIC MISSILES.
AN INITIAL AGREEMENT IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN REACHED BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND CHINA CONCERNING HYPERSONIC MISSILES.
The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
- The initial agreement reached
- The Chinese contribution concerning hypersonic missiles
The note also highlights talks between Saudi and Chinese officials concerning cooperation in defense projects.
CHINA’S DF-17 HYPERSONIC MISSILE GIVES THE U.S. MILITARY NIGHTMARES
SAUDI PRINCE ON ENHANCING DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH CHINA
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Tactical Report
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khaled Bin Salman met with the Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun during an official visit to China on 25/6/2024.
Prince Khaled and Jun are said to have discussed defense cooperation between the two countries.
The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
- Areas of defense cooperation between the two countries
- The Chinese technologies the Saudi Ministry of Defense prioritizes acquiring
The note also highlights the Saudi views on Prince Khaled-Jun meeting.
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN (MBS) INTENDS TO EXPAND DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA IN SEVERAL DOMAINS
MBS is said to have addressed the subject during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 6/12/2023 in Riyadh.
This note provides a comprehensive overview of the following:
- MBS expressing interest in Russian hypersonic missile technologies
- His interest in other advanced Russian defense systems
- President Putin’s reaction and suggestion
The note also highlights how MBS’ PLANS FOR EXPANDING DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA WERE REFLECTED IN THE SAUDI 2024 DEFENSE BUDGET.
SAUDI ARABIA: SPACE INDUSTRY AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA
Friday, February 02, 2024 Tactical Report
Saudi Arabia is said to be in active negotiations with Chinese space contractors for a comprehensive deal covering technology transfer for satellite software, among other space cooperation aspects.
The following note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
– THE STATUS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS
– THE THREE AGREEMENTS DISCUSSED AND THEIR FOCUS
– THE SAUDI AND CHINESE COMPANIES INVOLVED
– U.S. POSITION ON A POTENTIAL DEAL
SAUDI ARABIA: UPDATES ON THE SPACE INDUSTRY AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Tactical Report
As Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its role in the global space industry, it is actively negotiating a comprehensive partnership with Chinese space entities that could transform its technological landscape.
The following note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
– LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
– INSIGHTS ON THE KEY AGREEMENTS BEING DISCUSSED INCLUDING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
– THE SAUDI AND CHINESE COMPANIES INVOLVED, THEIR ROLES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PARTNERSHIP
CHINA’S DF-17 HYPERSONIC MISSILE | CHINA UNVEILED NEW MISSILE TECHNOLOGY | LONG RANGE LETHAL WEAPON
SAUDI KEY FIGURES INVOLVED IN DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHINA
SAUDI ARABIA’S DEFENSE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA IS MULTIFACETED, INVOLVING DIRECT MILITARY COOPERATION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS. KEY SAUDI FIGURES PLAY PIVOTAL ROLES IN ADVANCING THIS PARTNERSHIP, FOCUSING ON UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) PRODUCTION, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) INTEGRATION, AND ENHANCING OVERALL MILITARY CAPABILITIES. THE FOLLOWING IN-DEPTH REPORT EXPLORES THE SAUDI STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED IN DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHINA.
Key points covered in the report include:
– OVERVIEW OF THE SAUDI-CHINESE DEFENSE RELATIONS
– AREAS OF COOPERATION
– LEADERSHIP OF CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN (MBS) AND MINISTER OF DEFENSE PRINCE KHALED IN THIS REGARD
– THE SAUDI OFFICIALS OVERSEEING THE DEFENSE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA
– SCOPA AND CHINA NEGOTIATIONS
SAUDI 2024 PLANS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR UAV PROJECTS WITH CHINA
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Tactical Report
SAUDI ARABIA AND CHINA ARE EXPECTED TO BOOST DEFENSE COOPERATION THIS YEAR FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIALS. THE COOPERATION WILL FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS TO DEVELOP ADVANCED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS).
The following note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
– SAUDI 2024 PLANS AND EXPECTATIONS CONCERNING LOCALIZING THE PRODUCTION OF CHINESE UAVS
– DETAILS ON THE CHINESE UAV OFFERS TO SAUDI ARABIA
– THE CHINESE UAV SERVING AS THE BASE PLATFORM FOR A MAJOR CO-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
SAUDI DEFENSE BUDGET AND PRIORITIES FOR 2024
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
The Saudi Ministry of Defense (MoD) has planned its 2024 defense budget and priorities. The MoD’s primary focus will be on projects tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), involving advanced equipment.
However, the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) will also benefit from procurements.
The following note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
– THE VARIOUS DEFENSE SYSTEMS EYED FOR PROCUREMENT IN 2024
– THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES EYED FOR LOCALIZATION IN 2024
– MBS’ EMPHASIS ON INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND DEFENSE CAPABILITIES IMPROVEMENT FOR 2024
– EXPECTED DEFENSE AGREEMENTS IN 2024 FOR THE SAUDI MILITARY SERVICE BRANCHES AND THE SYSTEMS INCLUDED
The note also highlights the Saudi MoD’s plans to introduce new policies to increase transparency in arms deals.
RUSSIA’S NEW HYPERSONIC MISSILE: IMPOSSIBLE TO SHOOT DOWN?
SAUDI MBS DETERMINED TO ACQUIRE RUSSIAN HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Tactical Report
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN (MBS) INTENDS TO EXPAND DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA IN SEVERAL DOMAINS.
MBS IS SAID TO HAVE ADDRESSED THE SUBJECT DURING HIS MEETING WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ON 6/12/2023 IN RIYADH.
This note provides a comprehensive overview of the following:
– MBS EXPRESSING INTEREST IN RUSSIAN HYPERSONIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGIES
– HIS INTEREST IN OTHER ADVANCED RUSSIAN DEFENSE SYSTEMS
– PRESIDENT PUTIN’S REACTION AND SUGGESTION
The note also highlights how MBS’ plans for expanding defense relations with Russia were reflected in the Saudi 2024 defense budget.
SAUDI ARABIA’S HYPERSONIC MISSILE RUSH: OPTIONS AND STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khaled Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz was quoted as saying that the Kingdom is exploring various options concerning hypersonic missile projects, one of which includes potential collaboration with Russia.
The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
– THE STATUS OF TALKS WITH RUSSIA CONCERNING HYPERSONIC MISSILES
– OTHER COUNTRIES EYED BY SAUDI ARABIA FOR COOPERATION
– A PREREQUISITE FOR THE KINGDOM TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A DEAL
The note also highlights Prince Khaled’s stance on expanding defense cooperation with Russia in light of the Kingdom’s strategic relations with the U.S.
PUTIN SHOWED OFF A NEW TERRIFYING HYPERSONIC MISSILE THAT SHOCKED NATO
SAUDI ARABIA’S HYPERSONIC AMBITIONS: PROCUREMENT PRIORITIES, TIMETABLE, AND SUPPLIERS
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Tactical Report
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) intends to acquire and localize a variety of HYPERSONIC WEAPONS IN THE MEDIUM-TERM FUTURE. SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ HAS DIRECTED THE SAUDI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE (MOD), SAMI, AND GAMI TO PURCHASE BOTH OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE HYPERSONICS.
Our 1,674-word report (6-pages) draws from confidential information obtained by our sources to provide A DEFINITIVE ACCOUNT OF RIYADH’S PLANS TO BECOME THE REGION’S FIRST HYPERSONIC WEAPON USER. OUR INTELLIGENCE REVEALS THE WEAPON PRIORITIES, PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE, END-USERS (E.G. SERVICE BRANCHES), AND POSSIBLE SUPPLIERS set out by CP Mohammad. EARLY DISCUSSIONS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE WITH SOME HYPERSONIC-CAPABLE COUNTRIES, AS THE SAUDI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE (MOD), SAMI, AND GAMI HAVE BEEN URGED TO FAST-TRACK EFFORTS.
Our special report is structured as follows:
Key Judgements
- -CP Mohammad’s Roadmap to Hypersonics: Weapon Priorities; End-Users; “First User” Policy and Timetable
- -Possible Suppliers of Hypersonics: Cooperation with Britain; Possible Investments in MBDA’s FC/ASW; China’s Hypersonics and ToT Package Under Discussion; Japan’s HVGP: Option and Leverage; Talks with Russia over Kinzhal; India’s BrahMos-II, a Distant Option.
SAUDI ARABIA, CHINA AND HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFER
THE SAUDI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE IS REPORTED TO BE PLANNING TO POSSESS TECHNOLOGIES USED TO LOCALLY MANUFACTURE HYPERSONIC MISSILES.
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ IS SAID TO BE MOVING FORWARD WITH COOPERATION IN THIS FIELD WITH SEVERAL COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY CHINA.
What hypersonic technologies is Saudi Arabia looking to acquire from China?
How will Saudi Arabia act in light of current U.S. pressure to prevent this cooperation with China?
To answer these questions and more Tactical Report has prepared a 212-word report.
SAUDI ARABIA: ON HYPERSONIC WEAPONS PRIORITIES
- Saudi Arabia is showing high interest in hypersonic weapons.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz is reported to believe that the U.S. is likely to prevent the export of its future hypersonic platforms under either political party.
- However, Saudi Arabia does seek to acquire advanced hypersonic platforms and therefore is said to be monitoring the programs of other potential suppliers.
What countries is Riyadh eying in this regard?
What type of hypersonic weapons is Riyadh interested in?
WITH BOTH SIDES SEEKING TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY THEIR SECURITY PARTNERS, INDIA’S MILITARY AND DEFENSE RELATIONSHIPS IN WEST ASIA HAVE EXPANDED DRAMATICALLY.
By Alvite Ningthoujam May 18, 2023 The Diplomat
Over the last few years, India has been rapidly enhancing its overall bilateral ties with most of the countries in its extended neighborhood – West Asia. The traditional hallmark of their longstanding cooperation has been energy; however, THERE IS NOW A STEADY GROWTH OF MILITARY-SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN NEW DELHI AND SELECT CAPITALS, IN PARTICULAR FROM THE GULF REGION.
The upward trajectory in the political relations between them, mainly triggered by personal bonhomie and great camaraderie among the Indian and West Asian leaderships, facilitated the deepening of cooperation in this much-needed sphere. THE SAME POLITICAL GOODWILL BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF INDIA AND THE GULF STATES WILL LIKELY PROVIDE FURTHER LEEWAY TO NEW DELHI TO CONDUCT ITS MILITARY-SECURITY DIPLOMACY IN THIS REGION.
For decades, the robustness of India-West Asia ties has been viewed and explained mostly through the lens of the energy trade, inflow of remittances, and size of the Indian expatriate community in the wider region. TODAY, BOTH SIDES ARE ADDING MORE VIGOR TO THEIR COOPERATION BY SCALING UP ENGAGEMENTS IN THE DEFENSE SECTOR, INCLUDING JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES, COUNTERTERRORISM, AND CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION, TO MENTION A FEW. THIS TRANSFORMATION HAS COME ABOUT AT A TIME WHEN INDIA STRIVES TO INCREASE ITS MILITARY DIPLOMACY IN THE REGION (AND ELSEWHERE), PARTICULARLY BY PROMOTING ITS DEFENSE EXPORTS AND STRENGTHENING MILITARY-SECURITY COOPERATION, WITH OBJECTIVES TO SAFEGUARD ITS STRATEGIC INTERESTS.
Most of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are also in a quest for forging similar partnerships, for security, economic, technological, and political reasons. India, therefore, has been constantly engaging with all the GCC members, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE), SAUDI ARABIA, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, TO BUILD STRONG DEFENSE AND MILITARY-SECURITY TIES.
If one looks at India’s military diplomacy in the Gulf, it is noteworthy that heavyweights, such as the UAE and SAUDI ARABIA, HAVE BECOME ITS PIVOTAL PARTNERS, alongside Oman, which is considered to be New Delhi’s “closest defense partner in the region.” In the recent year, COOPERATION WITH THESE TWO ENERGY-RICH COUNTRIES HAS GROWN BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS, with Abu Dhabi and Riyadh remaining as India’s third and fourth largest trading partners, respectively.
Beyond economic ties, however, INDIA’S DEFENSE ENGAGEMENTS WITH THESE COUNTRIES ARE GAINING SIGNIFICANT MOMENTUM. From mere training of security personnel in various military institutes, they have extended ties to other areas, including intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity – pivotal areas that are of major interest and concern to both sides, particularly considering the regional and internal security dynamics of India and the West Asian countries.
Certain security challenges and commonly shared threat perceptions emanating from non-state actors (terrorist and extremist groups) operating in both regions certainly help explain the expansion of traditional military-security ties. Beyond this, INDIA AND ITS GULF PARTNERS HAVE ALSO BECOME COGNIZANT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING FURTHER LINKAGES BETWEEN THEIR DEFENSE INDUSTRIES – BOTH STATE-OWNED AND PRIVATE FIRMS – TO PROMOTE COLLABORATIONS IN MANUFACTURING CUTTING-EDGE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES. This is an emerging visible pattern with another important West Asian partner: Israel.
In the conduct of India’s foreign policy, especially since the current government came to power in mid-2014, TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY (TOT) AND JOINT COLLABORATIONS IN THE DEFENSE SECTOR HAVE BEEN AREAS OF IMMENSE EMPHASIS BY PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI. This is part of strategic move to augment domestic production under the “Make in India” initiative, launched in September 2014, with an aim to promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission). One of the factors that has triggered the need for establishing a self-reliant defense industry is the rapidly rising security challenges facing by India, which demand a round-the-clock availability of military equipment for all three services and related law enforcement agencies.
Presently, within the larger framework of its military diplomacy, India continues to look at the wider West Asian region to boost its security-defense cooperation. This has coincided with the rising interests of countries from this region, including Iran and Israel, to look toward the East for political, economic, technological, and security cooperation. Like the GCC, these two non-Arab states are equally cementing their respective bilateral ties with the South, East and Southeast Asian countries.
When it comes to the GCC members, there have been a few developments on joint collaborations in defense technology. For instance, in February 2023, during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, India’s Hindustan (HAL) and the UAE’s defense firm, EDGE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of joint design and development of missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This agreement, when executed, will likely see the amalgamation of Indian technology pertaining to gas turbine engines and Emirati guided weapon systems.
Defense industrial cooperation was also discussed during the 11th India-UAE Joint Defense Cooperation Committee meeting held in May 2022. Similarly, in late December 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Power For Defense Technologies Co (PDTC) inked an agreement with India’s DPSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to work jointly on technologies linked to aerospace, including both civilian and defense applications.
THE SAUDI ARMED FORCES IS SAID TO BE PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS COOPERATION WITH THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES REGARDING A TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES (TOT) AGREEMENT TO MANUFACTURE MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEMS (MLRS).
SAUDI ARABIAN MILITARY INDUSTRIES (SAMI) AND SEVERAL INDIAN DEFENSE COMPANIES ARE REPORTED TO BE PART OF THIS COOPERATION.
RIYADH IS SAID TO BE HIGHLY INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSED INDIAN PLANS IN THIS REGARD.
“Mohammed bin Salman calls PM Modi his elder brother.”
SAUDI ARABIA, Qatar, and the UAE are the MAJOR ARMS IMPORTING GCC COUNTRIES, AND THEY ARE ALSO DIVERSIFYING THEIR SOURCES, CREATING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIAN DEFENSE EXPORTERS.
While it may take some time for India to enter into these markets, recent developments with the Gulf countries have suggested the likelihood of forging more co-production initiatives. Simultaneously, Indian defense firms will also have to make continued efforts to bag arms contracts involving, for example, MISSILE SYSTEMS, small arms and ammunitions, naval equipment, etc. India, at the moment, should not worry much about facing competition from internationally-established arms exporters to West Asian region, including the United States, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. It remains cognizant of the position that has been secured by these exporters in terms of the volume and categories of arms supplied, and also their quality.
Given the recent geopolitical developments, arms sellers like Israel and CHINA ARE ALSO EYEING MEGA DEFENSE DEALS WITH SOME OF THE GCC STATES. I argued in a piece in 2021 that “the Middle East is an emerging market for Chinese defense exports,” and this projection appears to be more possible with Beijing’s recent brokering of the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. As a result, Beijing will use this diplomatic breakthrough, partially made under its aegis, to make further economic, military, technological, and political inroads in West Asia. That could pose competition to India’s state-run and private stakeholders in the region, and potentially become a threat to New Delhi’s strategic interests at a later stage.
India’s military diplomacy vis-à-vis the Gulf region will undoubtedly see more progress in the future. Realpolitik and strategic interests have been instrumental in bringing India closer to the Gulf countries, with both sides willing to overlook some of their ideological differences lately. IN THE LONG RUN, DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS WILL LIKELY COME TO FORM A PIVOTAL COMPONENT OF THEIR STRATEGIC COOPERATION. THE POSSIBILITY FOR SUCH AN OUTCOME REMAINS HIGH AS GULF STATES, LIKE INDIA, ARE ALSO EMBARKING ON RAPID MILITARY INDUSTRIALIZATION PROGRAMS AND IN SEARCH OF ALTERNATIVE ARMS VENDORS. THE CONVERGENCES OF INTERESTS – POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, TECHNOLOGICAL AND MILITARY-SECURITY – THEREFORE, COULD PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF INDIA’S MILITARY DIPLOMACY WITH THE GULF STATES.
INDIA, SAUDI ARABIA EXPLORE NEW AVENUES OF DEFENCE COOPERATION
PTILast Updated: Feb 07, 2024, 09:32:00 PM IST
INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA DISCUSSED WAYS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL DEFENCE AND STRATEGIC COOPERATION INCLUDING THE SCOPE OF INCREASING JOINT MILITARY TRAINING EXERCISES AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL ENGAGEMENT. The issues figured in the talks between Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The defence ministry said the discussions centred around exploring avenues for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including INCREASING THE SCOPE OF JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE OF EXPERTISE.
Bhatt is on a visit to Riyadh as head of the Indian delegation at the ONGOING WORLD DEFENCE SHOW (WDS) 2024.
THE FIVE-DAY EVENT THAT COMMENCED ON FEBRUARY 4, IS SHOWCASING THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY SERVING AS A VITAL PLATFORM FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AMONGST THE PARTICIPATING COMPANIES.
The minister of state for defence also held a meeting with the Governor of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali.
“THEY DISCUSSED THE WAY AHEAD TOWARDS COLLABORATING IN VARIED AREAS OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, BESIDES NICHE TECHNOLOGIES,” the ministry said in a statement.
INDIA, SAUDI ARABIA DISCUSS AVENUES TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION
Detailed deliberations were held to expand the scope of engagement and cooperation in areas such as military, training, defence industry, R&D etc, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, Sept 5.
asianews.network September 6, 2024
NEW DELHI – INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA CONDUCTED THE SIXTH EDITION OF JOINT COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE COOPERATION (JCDC) MEETING IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA DURING WHICH BOTH THE COUNTRIES DISCUSSED NEW AVENUES TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE LONG STANDING AND MULTI-FACETED DEFENCE COOPERATION.
Detailed deliberations were held to expand the scope of engagement and cooperation in areas such as military, training, DEFENCE INDUSTRY, R&D etc, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.
INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA ENJOY CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY RELATIONS FOUNDED ON THE CENTURIES OLD ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-CULTURAL TIES. THE MOU ON DEFENCE COOPERATION PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR DEFENCE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES. Joint Defence Cooperation Committee is an institutional mechanism under the MoU to promote the objectives of defence cooperation.
The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, included officials from the Ministry of Defence. The meeting was co-chaired by Major General Salman Bin Awadh Al-Harbi from the Saudi Arabia delegation.
SAUDI ARABIA, INDIA DISCUSS WAYS TO BOLSTER STRATEGIC DEFENSE COOPERATION
Updated 06 September 2024 Rashid Hassan September 05, 202416:38 Arab News
RIYADH: SAUDI ARABIA AND INDIA RECENTLY DISCUSSED NEW AVENUES TO STRENGTHEN DEFENSE COOPERATION AT THE INDIA-SAUDI ARABIA JOINT COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE COOPERATION (JCDC) HELD IN RIYADH.
Indian ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan told Arab News that SAUDI ARABIA AND INDIA ARE SEEKING TO ENHANCE DEFENSE COOPERATION.
Khan said the sixth JCDC meeting was co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary (Armed Forces) Amitabh Prasad and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defense for Strategic Affairs Maj. Gen. Salman bin Awadh Al-Harbi.
“DURING THE MEETING THEY REVIEWED THE PROGRESS MADE IN DEFENSE ENGAGEMENTS, INCLUDING JOINT EXERCISES, EXPERT EXCHANGES, INDUSTRY COOPERATION.
“AND THE TWO SIDES AGREED TO TAKE DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES (TO A) STRATEGIC LEVEL,” added the ambassador.
THE TALKS IN RIYADH SIGNAL A CONTINUED COMMITMENT FROM BOTH COUNTRIES TO DEEPEN THEIR MILITARY TIES.
Notable agreements in the past include the signing of the landmark Riyadh Declaration during the visit of then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Riyadh in 2010 which strengthened relations in trade, defense and politics.
Defense ties were further bolstered following the visit of then-Defense Minister A.K. Antony to Riyadh in February 2012, the first such trip by an official in this position.
The JCDC held meetings in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022 — during which discussions were held on training and capacity building, intelligence exchange, maritime security, and the PROMOTION OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIES.
RELATIONS WITH INDIA BUILT ON A LONG-STANDING FOUNDATION OF COOPERATION & MUTUAL RESPECT: SAUDI FM
Nov 13, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud says, ‘I am very pleased to be here in Delhi to discuss enhancing our strategic relationship and to explore new avenues for collaboration. RELATIONS WITH INDIA ARE BUILT ON A LONG-STANDING COOPERATION AND MUTUAL RESPECT FOUNDATION. OUR SHARED HISTORY MARKED BY CENTURIES OF TRADE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE HAS LAID A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE ROBUST AND SOLID PARTNERSHIP WE HAVE TODAY.
THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE SAUDI INDIA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL CO-CHAIRED BY PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN AL SAUD, CROWN PRINCE AND PRIME MINISTER AND PRIME MINISTER MODI HAS SET THE STAGE FOR A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION ACROSS VARIOUS FIELDS. We look forward to further enhancing the Council’s capabilities and efficiency in achieving our shared objectives…We recognise the importance of sustained coordinated efforts across all areas of cooperation. We believe our coordination is essential in regional and international affairs. We will continue to align our positions on issues of shared concern especially as they pertain to INTERNATIONAL PEACE, SECURITY and economic development.’
SAUDI FM: INDIA-SAUDI ARABIA SHARE STRONG AND ROBUST PARTNERSHIP
SAUDI, JAPANESE DEFENSE MINISTERS MEET TO BOLSTER SECURITY COOPERATION
Updated 31 July 2023 Arab News July 31, 202313:14
Tokyo: The SAUDI AND JAPANESE DEFENSE MINISTERS ON MONDAY MET IN TOKYO TO DISCUSS WAYS TO BOLSTER SECURITY COOPERATION.
Prince Khalid bin Salman held talks with his Japanese counterpart Hamada Yasukazu at Japan’s Ministry of Defense offices in the capital city.
Hamada outlined his country’s defense strategy and said JAPAN SOUGHT TO STRENGTHEN ITS EXISTING LINKS WITH SAUDI ARABIA WHILE WORKING TO REINFORCE ITS SECURITY CAPABILITIES.
Prince Khalid highlighted current issues affecting the region, SAUDI AND MIDDLE EAST DEFENSE POLICIES, AND MAJOR INITIATIVES BEING UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF A SAUDI MINISTRY OF DEFENSE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM.
THE MINISTERS ALSO DISCUSSED DEFENSE EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AND COMMITTED TO ESTABLISHING CLOSER MILITARY-TO-MILITARY COMMUNICATION CHANNELS.
The Saudi delegation attending the meeting included Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, chief of staff of the Kingdom’s armed forces, Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, assistant minister of defense for executive affairs, Nayef Al-Fahadi, the Saudi ambassador to Japan, Hisham Abdulaziz bin Saif, director general of the defense minister’s office, and Maj. Gen. Misfer Messarreb Al-Ghamdi, head of strategic planning for the armed forces.
Japanese attendees included Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, the country’s chief of staff, Miura Jun, director general for international affairs, and Ashizuka Osamu, director of the Indo-Pacific regional policy division.
SAUDI, JAPANESE MINISTERS OF DEFENSE DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS, MILITARY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION
Tokyo, July 31, 2023, SPA — Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada held talks with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, at the ministry in Tokyo.
An official ceremony was held for the arriving Saudi minister of defense, during which the national anthems of the two countries were played and the guard of honor was inspected.
THE TWO OFFICIALS DISCUSSED BILATERAL RELATIONS, AND MILITARY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION, AND REVIEWED THE LATEST REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THE EFFORTS EXERTED TO DEAL WITH THEM, AS WELL AS ISSUES OF COMMON CONCERN.
Attending the meeting on the Saudi side were Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Biyari, Saudi Ambassador to Japan Naif Al-Fahadi and Director General of the Minister of Defense Office Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif.
On the Japanese side were Japanese Chief of Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka Masami, Commissioner of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) Fukasawa Masaki, head of Defense Ministry’s Policy Bureau Kazuo Masuda and Director General for International Affairs of the Bureau of Defense Policy at the Japanese Ministry of Defense Miura Jun.
–SPA 16:24 LOCAL TIME 13:24 GMT
YOON TOUTS DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN S. KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA
Posted : 2024-11-05 20:33 Updated : 2024-11-05 20:33 Korea Times
PRESIDENT YOON SUK YEOL SAID TUESDAY THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND SAUDI ARABIA WILL PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN ADVANCING THE TWO COUNTRIES’ RELATIONS IN A BROAD RANGE OF FIELDS.
YOON CALLED THE OIL-RICH COUNTRY A “KEY PARTNER” FOR SOUTH KOREA’S ECONOMY AND ENERGY SECURITY during a meeting with Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, Saudi minister of the National Guard, at the presidential office.
“THE DEFENSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES WOULD NOT ONLY STRENGTHEN SAUDI ARABIA’S DEFENSE CAPABILITIES BUT DEEPEN BILATERAL TIES,” Yoon said, describing South Korea as A “BEST PARTNER” FOR SAUDI ARABIA CAPABLE OF COOPERATION ACROSS VARIOUS AREAS.
ABDULLAH EVALUATED THAT THE DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES WAS ALREADY AT A HIGH-LEVEL, AND SHARED THAT HE COULD WITNESS SOUTH KOREA’S ADVANCED WEAPONS SYSTEMS DURING THE SOUTH KOREAN ARMY’S FIRE-POWER DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISPLAYS OF WEAPONS SYSTEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY, according to the office.
Ahead of the meeting, Abdullah observed an integrated firepower drill and displays of weapons systems, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and K2 tanks, and held talks with Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on defense and security cooperation.
In November 2023, South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 signed a US$3.2 billion DEAL TO SUPPLY 10 CHEONGUNG MID-RANGE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE BLOCK II SYSTEMS.
As minister of the National Guard, Abdullah oversees a specialized military branch responsible for INTERNAL SECURITY, PROTECTION OF THE ROYAL FAMILY AND SAFEGUARDING KEY SITES, INCLUDING THE HOLY CITIES OF MECCA AND MEDINA and important oil fields. The National Guard operates separately from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense and has its own budget, forces and command structure. (Yonhap)
OFFICIALS DISCUSS SAUDI-SOUTH KOREAN COOPERATION IN NUCLEAR POWER AND DEFENSE
Updated 30 min 46 sec ago Tamara Aboalsaud November 12, 2024 22:37 Arab News
RIYADH: OFFICIALS AND NUCLEAR EXPERTS DISCUSSED COOPERATION IN NUCLEAR ENERGY AND DEFENSE BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND SAUDI ARABIA DURING AN EVENT IN RIYADH ON TUESDAY.
THE FIRST KOREA-GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COOPERATION SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY THE GULF RESEARCH CENTER AND THE SOUTH KOREAN EMBASSY HOSTED AROUND 80 PARTICIPANTS TO DISCUSS TRADE RELATIONS, COOPERATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR, AND REGIONAL CONFLICTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, said the seminar was an opportune space to discuss economic cooperation and to come to a shared understanding of regional conflicts in the GCC, specifically Gaza and the Red Sea, as well as A SPACE TO DIVERSIFY ENERGY COOPERATION IN THE NUCLEAR and renewables sectors.
Kang Han-ok, vice president for SMART DEVELOPMENT AT THE KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, PRESENTED A JOINT RESEARCH PROJECT CURRENTLY UNDERWAY BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND SAUDI ARABIA ON SMALL MODULAR REACTORS.
“SMRs are being highlighted as carbon-zero energy sources that complement the intermittent nature of renewable energy in the global power supply sector,” Kang said.
He noted how THE SMART100 SMR, JOINTLY DESIGNED BY SAUDI AND SOUTH KOREAN ENTITIES, WAS APPROVED BY SEOUL’S NUCLEAR REGULATOR IN SEPTEMBER. THE REACTOR WAS JOINTLY DEVELOPED BY KAERI, THE KING ABDULLAH CITY FOR ATOMIC AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND THE KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CORP.
KANG EXPLAINED THE REACTOR IS NOW READY TO BE EXPORTED GLOBALLY. “WITH ITS SDA ACQUAINTANCE, SMART IS NOW READY FOR GLOBAL DEPLOYMENT IN THE DEMAND OF THE POWER AND THERMAL ENERGY SECTORS,” he said.
KANG ALSO SPOKE ABOUT WAYS TO INCREASE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT COOPERATION BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND GCC MEMBER STATES, CITING THE PLAN TO ESTABLISH A JOINT NUCLEAR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER BETWEEN THE SAUDI NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY PROJECT AND KAERI.
The chairman of the Gulf Research Center, Abdulaziz Sager, EMPHASIZED THAT SAUDI ARABIA’S ABILITY TO RELY ON SOUTH KOREA AS A STRONG ALLY AND DEFENSE SUPPLIER ENCOURAGED A RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST AND LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP IN THE KINGDOM’S SECURITY PLANNING.
The seminar comes almost one year after the signing of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the GCC, signed on Dec. 28, 2023.
At the time, South Korea committed to eliminate 89.9 percent of tariffs on all products while the GCC committed to eliminate 76.4 percent, facilitating increased trade between the two parties.
The Korea-GCC FTA was 20 years in the making. Discussions for the agreement began in 2008, but it is yet to be verified or ratified. Lee Kwon-hyung, senior research fellow from the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, put forward recommendations on how to pave the way for the agreement and how to best utilize it once finalized, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATA CENTER TO TRANSITION TOWARDS A GREEN ENERGY ECONOMY RELYING ON SOLAR, WIND, AND NUCLEAR POWER FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION.
“THE AI DATA CENTER NEEDS A LOT OF ELECTRICITY, SO AN ENERGY TRANSITION AND A DIGITAL TRANSITION ARE VERY IMPERATIVE, AND WITH THE AI DATA CENTER WE CAN MAKE INDUSTRIAL RESTRUCTURING IN BOTH COUNTRIES,” Lee said.
Prof. In Nam-sik, director general for strategic region studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, evaluated the IMPACT OF GEOPOLITICAL DYNAMICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND EAST ASIA ON KOREAN-GCC RELATIONS, as well as the transformation of the US-led liberal international order.
On the war on Gaza, In said: “The situation threatens to shift the two-state solution toward an apartheid scenario, further destabilizing the region.”
On Iran, In continued: “Iran’s expanding influence through its regional proxy contributes to ongoing instability, with concerns that the current dynamics may accelerate Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The transition in Iran’s leadership raises uncertainties, with hopes for a gradual regime change that might reduce Iran’s revolutionary stance.”
Commenting on US influence, In said: “AS THE US PIVOTS ITS STRATEGIC FOCUS TO ASIA, GULF NATIONS ARE ADOPTING FLEXIBLE DIPLOMACY, LEVERAGING BOTH US AND CHINESE INFLUENCE.”
In stated that the Middle Eastern and European fronts are already linked, and North Korean military support to Russia signals an increasing risk of interconnected conflicts across regions.
To combat these regional and international threats, In URGED SOUTH KOREA AND THE GCC TO WORK TOGETHER ON SECURITY COOPERATION ACROSS INFORMATION SHARING AND TECHNOLOGY, JOINT MARITIME SECURITY EXERCISES, AND SHARED SUPPORT FOR MULTILATERAL FORUMS, IN ADDITION TO CONTINUED POLITICAL DIALOGUE IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS.
SOUTH KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA SIGN AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE COOPERATION
By Reuters February 5, 2024 3:10 AM EST
SEOUL, Feb 5 (Reuters) – SOUTH KOREA AND SAUDI ARABIA ON SUNDAY SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO EXPAND DEFENCE COOPERATION, SEOUL’S DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION (DAPA) SAID, AS SEOUL LOOKS TO INK FURTHER ARMS SALES IN THE REGION.
The agreement will see the two establish a joint committee to form a working group for WEAPONS SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS PRODUCTION TO CONTINUE COOPERATION IN DEFENCE, DAPA said in a press release on Monday.
Defence minister Shin Won-sik, who was visiting RIYADH FOR THE WORLD DEFENSE SHOW AS PART OF A WEEK-LONG TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST, AND HIS SAUDI COUNTERPART KHALID BIN SALMAN AL SAUD WERE PRESENT DURING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT, ACCORDING TO DAPA.
A foundation of defence cooperation, which amounts to A “FUTURE-ORIENTED STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP,” has been established, Shin was quoted as saying in a South Korean defence ministry press release.
Shin also held talks with Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, the minister of Saudi Arabia’s National Guard, to DISCUSS STRENGTHENING BILATERAL MILITARY COOPERATION AND DEFENCE PARTNERSHIPS, the ministry said. SOUTH KOREA IS LOOKING TO BOOST SALES TO BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST SUPPLIERS OF WEAPONS, despite stiff competition from other global arms exporters.
Its arms sales jumped to $17 billion in 2022 from $7.25 billion the year before, data from the defence ministry showed.
THE COUNTRY’S WEAPONS EXPORTS TO THE MIDDLE EAST GREW NEARLY TENFOLD BETWEEN 2013 AND 2022, ACCORDING TO THE KOREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
In recent years, South Korean companies Hanwha, Poongsan and LIG Nex1 CONCLUDED DEALS WITH SAUDI ARABIA, COLLECTIVELY WORTH AROUND $989 MILLION, FOR MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHERS, AMMUNITION AND ELECTRO-OPTICAL SYSTEMS, AND MORE DEALS COULD BE IN THE WORKS, according to a November report by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
“ARAB GULF STATES ARE LOOKING TO DIVERSIFY THEIR SOURCES OF DEFENCE PROCUREMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS BEYOND THEIR TRADITIONAL WESTERN SUPPLIERS,” the report said. “AND SEOUL CAN OFFER INCREASINGLY ADVANCED EQUIPMENT ALTERNATIVES, OFTEN AT COMPETITIVE PRICES AND WITH SHORTER LEAD TIMES.”
INDONESIAN-SAUDI TIES TO GROW UNDER NEW GOVERNMENT, AMBASSADOR SAYS
Updated 07 November 2024 Rashid Hassan November 07, 202414:06
RIYADH: INDONESIA’S “ALLIANCE” WITH SAUDI ARABIA WILL CONTINUE TO GROW UNDER NEW PRESIDENT PRABOWO SUBIANTO, JAKARTA’S AMBASSADOR TO THE KINGDOM HAS TOLD ARAB NEWS.
Speaking at a diplomatic reception to celebrate 79 years of independence and LONGSTANDING INDONESIAN-SAUDI ARABIA TIES, Abdulaziz Ahmad highlighted the IMPORTANCE OF THE GROWING BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP, REFLECTING ON RECENT MILESTONES ACHIEVED BY BOTH COUNTRIES.
“Last October, during the historic visit of Indonesia’s former president Joko Widodo, we signed four crucial memorandums of understanding — on the Supreme Coordination Council, halal products, sports and youth cooperation, and technical standards,” he said.
“THESE AGREEMENTS ARE PAVING THE WAY FOR A STRONGER, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ALLIANCE THAT SUPPORTS BOTH OUR COUNTRIES’ DEVELOPMENT GOALS.”
The ambassador praised the peaceful transition in Indonesia’s government under President Subianto last month.
He expressed CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF INDONESIAN-SAUDI RELATIONS: “WITH THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION, THE TIES BETWEEN INDONESIA AND SAUDI ARABIA WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, FOSTERING DEEPER ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL COOPERATION.”
Reflecting on the steady growth in trade between the two countries, the ambassador HIGHLIGHTED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INDONESIA’S INCREASING EXPORT FOOTPRINT IN SAUDI ARABIA.
“In 2023, trade between our countries surged to $6.15 billion, marking a 10.81 percent rise since 2019. By August this year, our trade had grown by an impressive 17.32 percent compared to the same period last year,” he said.
“This momentum speaks to the strength of our partnership and the quality of Indonesian exports, particularly in non-oil sectors like palm oil, processed foods and agriculture, which are increasingly meeting the needs of Saudi consumers. Our collaboration emphasizes sustainability and community-based production, ALIGNING WELL WITH SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030.”
He added that INDONESIA IS COMMITTED TO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, strongly condemning the Israeli aggression in Gaza and advocating for humanitarian access and support for Palestinians, in line with international law and UN resolutions.
Ahmad concluded his remarks by extending Indonesia’s appreciation to King Salman and CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF INDONESIANS LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA, AND FOR THE ENDURING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN BOTH COUNTRIES.
The Indonesian Embassy hosted the reception at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. About 500 DISTINGUISHED GUESTS ATTENDED, INCLUDING DIPLOMATS, SAUDI OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS, HIGHLIGHTING THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDONESIA AND ITS GROWING TIES WITH THE KINGDOM.
The evening featured cultural presentations, including a remo dance from East Java, the harmonious sounds of a Central Javanese gamelan and captivating performances by Indonesian vocalists. Guests enjoyed a showcase of batik textiles from across Indonesia’s archipelago and were served an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.
INDONESIA INVITES SAUDI ARABIA TO DEVELOP ITS DEFENSE INDUSTRY
Updated 02 August 2023 Sheany Yasuko Lai August 02, 202315:31
JAKARTA: INDONESIA HAS INVITED SAUDI ARABIA TO HELP DEVELOP ITS DEFENSE INDUSTRY, THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATION’S MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SAID ON WEDNESDAY, AS IT HOPES TO FORGE STRATEGIC SECURITY TIES WITH THE KINGDOM.
INDONESIAN-SAUDI SECURITY TIES WERE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED IN 2014 WHEN THE TWO COUNTRIES SIGNED A DEFENSE COOPERATION AGREEMENT.
They received a boost on Tuesday when Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Jakarta for talks with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto.
“THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE IS HOPING TO STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC DEFENSE RELATIONS WITH SAUDI ARABIA, WITH MUTUAL SUPPORT TO PUSH FOR WORLD PEACE, ESPECIALLY IN THE REGION,” Subianto’s spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak told Arab News.
“SAUDI ARABIA CAN JOIN IN DEVELOPING INDONESIA’S DEFENSE INDUSTRY THROUGH A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP.”
Prince Khalid’s visit was a reciprocation of Subianto’s trip to Riyadh in March last year. THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SAID IN A STATEMENT THAT IT WAS ALSO A “HISTORIC MOMENT” and that Subianto had “EXPRESSED HIS CONFIDENCE THAT SAUDI ARABIA WILL ACTUALIZE ITS VISION 2030 AND HOPED THAT INDONESIA’S DEFENSE INDUSTRY CAN BE PART OF THAT VISION.”
SEVERAL INDONESIAN COMPANIES, INCLUDING STATE-OWNED ARMS MAKER PINDAD AND AEROSPACE FIRM DIRGANTARA, PRESENTED THEIR PORTFOLIOS TO MEMBERS OF THE SAUDI DELEGATION accompanying Prince Khalid.
The defense chiefs of both countries have also agreed to more student exchanges between their military schools to strengthen cooperation in defense education.
SAUDI, INDONESIAN MINISTERS DISCUSS ENHANCING MILITARY, DEFENSE TIES
Updated 01 August 2023 Arab News August 01, 202316:03
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in the capital Jakarta on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries and DISCUSSED ASPECTS OF BILATERAL COOPERATION IN THE MILITARY AND DEFENSE FIELD AND WAYS TO DEVELOP IT. They also discussed a number of issues of common interest.
After that, several heads of INDONESIAN DEFENSE COMPANIES MADE PRESENTATIONS TO THE SAUDI MINISTER OF DEFENSE ABOUT THEIR CAPABILITIES, EXPERTISE AND LATEST PRODUCTS IN THE DEFENSE FIELD.
EU-GCC: TIME LOOKS RIPE FOR SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION
15 Oct 2024
INCREASED TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE PUSHING THE GCC AND THE EU TOWARDS A MORE COORDINATED APPROACH TO REGIONAL SECURITY. THIS OPENS UNPRECEDENTED SPACES FOR SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION. However, political challenges arise from internal differences and interests among members on both sides, particularly in the EU. In contrast, GCC members now have more aligned and integrated positions regarding Iran than they did before. Since the countering of non-state armed actors and THE PROLIFERATION OF MISSILES AND DRONES IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE NOW ACKNOWLEDGED AS SHARED SECURITY CONCERNS, PROSPECTS OF EU-GCC SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION ARE GAINING MOMENTUM. AND THIS LOOKS CONDUCIVE TO COLLABORATION.
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Revelation 17:12 And THE TEN HORNS WHICH THOU SAWEST ARE TEN KINGS, WHICH HAVE RECEIVED NO KINGDOM AS YET; BUT RECEIVE POWER AS KINGS ONE HOUR WITH THE BEAST.
13 THESE HAVE ONE MIND, AND SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER AND STRENGTH UNTO THE BEAST.
14 THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB, AND THE LAMB SHALL OVERCOME THEM: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the TEN HORNS WHICH THOU SAWEST UPON THE BEAST, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and TO AGREE, AND GIVE THEIR KINGDOM UNTO THE BEAST, UNTIL THE WORDS OF GOD SHALL BE FULFILLED.
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WHAT HAS CHANGED: A SENSE OF URGENCY AMID RISING INSECURITY
In latest months, EU-GCC SECURITY AND DEFENSE RELATIONS HAVE INTENSIFIED AT A DIALOGUE LEVEL. THE FIRST-EVER EU-GCC HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON REGIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION, at foreign ministers’ level was held in Luxemburg in April 2024. Prior to that, the FIRST GCC-EU REGIONAL SECURITY DIALOGUE TOOK PLACE IN RIYADH IN JANUARY 2024, WHERE THE PARTIES AGREED ON REGULAR SECURITY DIALOGUES ON ISSUES SUCH AS MARITIME SECURITY AND CYBER SECURITY.
The recent decision by both sides to upgrade their institutional relations through high level and regular meetings emphasizes a strategic acknowledgment of the urgent security problems that both regions face. THE GCC RECOGNIZES THAT WORKING WITH THE EU CAN PROVIDE VITAL DIPLOMATIC OUTLETS AND RESOURCES FOR ADDRESSING COMMON CHALLENGES, DESPITE THE COMPLEXITY OF A COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION. Currently, increased tensions in the Middle East after the October 7th and the war on Gaza have CREATED A SENSE OF URGENCY FOR GCC MEMBERS TO WORK WITH EXTERNAL PARTNERS. In the same way, THE EU AND ITS MEMBERS HAVE “DISCOVERED” THE GCC STATES AS PARTNERS PURSUING SIMILAR INTERESTS, considering the energy security issues arisen from the conflict in Ukraine and the prospects of a wider war in the Middle East.
MOREOVER, THE EU’S EMPHASIS ON MULTILATERALISM IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GCC’S DESIRE FOR A MORE COORDINATED APPROACH TO REGIONAL SECURITY. THIS ENCOURAGES GCC STATES TO ENGAGE IN A DIALOGUE WITH THE EU TO SEEK COMMON GROUND, BUILDING COOPERATION MECHANISMS WHICH MIGHT, ULTIMATELY, BOOST REGIONAL STABILITY AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS.
OVERALL, THERE IS A COLLECTIVE INTEREST AMONGST GCC COUNTRIES TO FOSTER ROBUST PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EU. This is especially due to the volatile security environment in the Middle East and the looming threat of a wider war occurring between Israel and Iran: a conflict in which the GCC states could find themselves dragged into.
FOR THE GCC STATES, THE MAIN SECURITY EXPECTATION REGARDING EU-GCC COOPERATION IS CLEAR: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND EFFECTIVE SECURITY FRAMEWORK TO BETTER ADDRESS REGIONAL SECURITY THREATS. WITH THIS PURPOSE, THE ENHANCEMENT OF INTELLIGENCE SHARING REMAINS ON THE TOP OF EXPECTATIONS’ LIST: FOR THE GCC STATES, BETTER INTELLIGENCE COOPERATION WITH THE EU WOULD BE ESSENTIAL to implement preventative measures in case of attacks by Iran and/or its allies and proxies.
Revelation 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
13 THESE HAVE ONE MIND, AND SHALL GIVE THEIR POWER AND STRENGTH UNTO THE BEAST.
14 THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB, AND THE LAMB SHALL OVERCOME THEM: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
FURTHERMORE, THE GCC STATES WOULD ALSO BE INTERESTED IN CONDUCTING JOINT MILITARY TRAINING WITH THE EU STATES, SINCE IT COULD SUPPORT INTEROPERABILITY AND THE UPDATING OF GULF MILITARY CAPABILITIES BY LEARNING FROM EUROPEAN CUTTING-EDGE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES.
THE 2022 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GULF DOCUMENT ALREADY STRESSED THE NEED FOR A POLITICAL-MILITARY DIALOGUE WITH THE GCC AND ITS MEMBERS STATES, ALSO MENTIONING THE POSSIBILITY OF MILITARY-TO-MILITARY CONTACTS. The GCC states have a clear-eyed view that EU cannot be compared militarily with the United States: therefore, they have no expectations that European Union member states can serve as a replacement for the US security role in the Gulf. For instance, the deployment in early 2024 of a European-led naval mission in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb, EUNAVFOR Aspides, has still not shifted Gulf states’ perception of the EU as a security provider.
While the EU-GCC SCENARIO LOOKS NOW CONDUCIVE FOR SECURITY COOPERATION, some obstacles persist and regards the polyphony of both the GCC and the EU ´blocs`. The GCC crisis with Qatar (2017-2021) has been overcome; however, political differences between member states remain on how to handle regional crises, especially vis-à-vis Iran.
Also, MILITARY TO MILITARY COOPERATION STILL OCCURS MORE AT BILATERAL, STATE TO STATE LEVEL RATHER THAN AT A GCC-EU LEVEL, AS CONFIRMED BY THE EXISTENCE OF SOME BILATERAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY AGREEMENTS. SAUDI ARABIA STANDS AT THE FOREFRONT OF MILITARY COOPERATION EFFORTS GIVEN its OVERALL INVESTMENT IN NATIONAL DEFENSE CAPACITY-BUILDING.
Furthermore, the EU’s identity crisis, with the rise of nationalism and extreme right parties, of economic inequalities, and divergent national interests, has become a ticking bomb for European institutions’ cohesion. This significantly reduces the possibilities for the EU to effectively collaborate with foreign partners like the GCC. This fragmentation is going to undermine the European credibility in security and military cooperation, since member states do prioritize national interests over collective goals, thus leading to inconsistent policies.
De-Escalation but Wariness: A Growing GCC Consensus About Iran
Between the GCC states, there is a common position that a workable relationship with Iran has to be found, since Iran is a geographic neighbour. Equally, all GCC states object now to Iran’s interference in domestic GCC affairs, to the sponsorship of violent non-state actors throughout the Middle East, and to the IRANIAN MISSILE, DRONE AND NUCLEAR PROGRAMS. Where the countries have differed at times is in their approach to Tehran, with Oman, Kuwait and Qatar being the readiest to cultivate channels of communications with the Islamic Republic. Something that was not always seen as being positive in other GCC capitals: that dis-alignment has complicated the development of a unified security strategy in the past.
The recent scenario, and especially the current, direct escalation between Iran and Israel, has pushed some GCC states to reconsider however their positions: THE NEED FOR A MORE COLLABORATIVE, INTEGRATED GCC AGENDA HAS BECOME CRITICAL. Regarding Tehran, ALL GCC STATES ARE PURSUING A DE-ESCALATION STRATEGY INCLUDING REGULAR DIPLOMATIC TALKS WITH IRAN. This approach is a starting point that could also HELP ALIGNING SECURITY ASSESSMENTS WITH THE EU. YET, it remains unclear how sustainable this would be, taking into account that EU member states have different stances about regional tensions in the Middle East and related security issues. At this stage, DISCUSSIONS ON EU-GCC SECURITY AND DEFENSE COOPERATION WILL THEREFORE BE FOCUSED MORE ON THE SHORT TERM, rather than on the long run.
NON-STATE ARMED ACTORS ARE GCC-EU SHARED SECURITY CONCERNS
ABOUT THE COUNTERING OF NON-STATE ARMED ACTORS, THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EU AND GCC, AS WELL AS REGARDING THE RELATED TOPIC OF DRONES AND MISSILES PROLIFERATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
THE GCC VISION FOR REGIONAL SECURITY ADOPTED IN 2023, COMMIT THE GULF INSTITUTION TO “INTENSIFY ACTION WITH REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO PREVENT ACCESS BY NON-STATE ACTORS TO ARMS, AMMUNITIONS, BALLISTIC MISSILE TECHNOLOGY AND DRONE SYSTEMS”: THE DOCUMENT REPRESENTS A CONSENSUS VIEW BETWEEN GULF CAPITALS AND HAS BEEN ELABORATED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS.
RECENT HIGH-LEVEL DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES HAVE UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION ON SHARED SECURITY CONCERNS, CONSIDERING RISING REGIONAL TENSIONS. The establishment of cooperative working groups under the framework of the GCC-EU regional security dialogue aims to COORDINATE EFFORTS, FOR INSTANCE, ON COUNTERTERRORISM AND ASYMMETRIC WARFARE. This emphasizes mutual acknowledgment of the challenges raised by non-state armed actors, as well as the importance of working together to effectively tackle these issues.
The availability of drones and missiles, also by state actors as Iran, poses a serious security risk to both the EU and the GCC countries. As both regions face shared security challenges, there is A GROWING CHANCE TO DESIGNING COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVES THAT CAPITALIZE ON EACH SIDE’S CAPABILITIES. BY COLLABORATING ON INTELLIGENCE SHARING, JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES, AND REGIONAL POLICY ALIGNMENT, THE EU AND GCC CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ESTABLISH A MORE SECURE ENVIRONMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
THE EU-GCC SUMMIT
Dr. Sebastian Sons EXTERNAL MIDDLE EAST EXPERT | SENIOR RESEARCHER, CARPO BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL CENTER
THE FIRST SUMMIT BETWEEN HIGH-RANKING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) AND THE MEMBER STATES OF THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC) THAT TOOK PLACE IN BRUSSELS ON OCTOBER 16TH, 2024, came late – but not too late. In times of growing regional tensions, the summit sent a relevant message that BOTH EUROPE AND THE GULF STATES ARE HIGHLY INTERESTED IN REGIONAL SECURITY AND DE-ESCALATION. DESPITE EXISTING GRIEVANCES, MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND FAULT LINES, THE REPRESENTATIVES UNDERLINED IN THEIR JOINT STATEMENT SHARED INTERESTS IN SECURITY, ENERGY AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION, CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND TECHNOLOGICAL PARTNERSHIP.
The ongoing Israel-Gaza war and the war on Ukraine serve as a definitively EYE-OPENING WAKE-UP CALL FOR BOTH THE EU AND THE GCC TO ADJUST THEIR STRATEGIES AND FOCUS MORE THAN EVER ON COMMONALITIES AND SHARED INTERESTS.
As such, high representatives from EU member states such as France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made a point of attending the summit. From the Gulf, Qatar’s Emir Tamim and SAUDI ARABIA’S CROWN PRINCE MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN WERE THE MOST PROMINENT LEADERS WHO TRAVELLED TO EUROPE.
In addition, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the UAE’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al-Said and GCC’s Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi – among others – attended the summit.
CULMINATION OF INTENSIFIED PROCESS IN EU-GCC RELATIONS
Consequently, THE SUMMIT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED A ‘MILESTONE’ IN EU-GULF RELATIONS and represents the temporary culmination of a process that gained momentum in 2022. At that time, THE EU PUBLISHED ITS JOINT COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR COOPERATION WITH THE GCC. IN THIS STRATEGY, THE EU EMPHASISES THE GROWING RELEVANCE OF THE GULF STATES IN REGIONAL AND GEOPOLITICAL MATTERS, AS WELL AS THEIR IMPORTANCE AS PARTNERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE.
THE GREEN ENVIRONMENTAL DRAGON OF THE BEAST’S KINGDOM. MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN
Until then, the relationship between the EU and the Gulf states was primarily based on economic and trade relations, but politically, it remained relatively superficial and limited. Although the economic dimension continues to play a significant role in the relationship, THE EU HAS INCREASINGLY RECOGNISED THAT, IN A WORLD FULL OF CRISES, THE GULF STATES ARE NOT JUST A PARTNER OF CHOICE BUT A PARTNER OF NECESSITY THAT CANNOT BE NEGLECTED.
This assessment was reflected in a number of initiatives. Since the LAUNCH OF THE EU GCC STRATEGY, for example, a new EU Delegation opened in Qatar in 2022, adding to the ones already in place in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Luigi Di Maio was appointed EU Special Envoy for the Gulf States IN MAY 2023, AND INITIAL MINISTERIAL MEETINGS WERE HELD TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF REGIONAL SECURITY SUCH AS THE STRUCTURED SECURITY DIALOGUE IN JANUARY 2024 IN RIYADH, THE MINISTERIAL HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON REGIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN APRIL 2024 IN LUXEMBOURG, OR THE JOINT COUNCIL AND MINISTERIAL MEETINGS IN BRUSSELS IN 2022 AND IN OCTOBER 2023 IN OMAN. THESE INITIATIVES HAVE BROUGHT NEW MOMENTUM TO EU-GULF RELATIONS, WHICH THE SUMMIT AIMS TO CONTINUE.
Key areas of cooperation remain unchanged: energy cooperation – especially in the fields of hydrogen and renewable energy – will remain a relevant focus, as are investments, trade, cultural exchange, interconnectivity, secure trade routes, development cooperation and migration. HOWEVER, THE SUMMIT’S FINAL DECLARATION ALSO EXPLICITLY MENTIONS ENHANCED SECURITY COOPERATION BY ADDRESSING THE MOST DRAMATIC CRISES: Both sides aim to cooperate more closely on the Israel-Gaza war and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, EMPHASISING THEIR SHARED INTEREST IN REGIONAL STABILITY.
THE GAZA DILEMMA: IN SEARCH OF A COHERENT POSITION
However, in the Gulf, the EU is widely perceived with growing frustration after the Israel-Gaza war started more than one year ago. Many in the region view the EU as a hypocritical actor with an ‘image of weakness’, as it is not doing enough to de-escalate the conflict. The final statement thus aims to bridge such opposing perspectives. It emphasises the ‘UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THE REALISATION OF THE RIGHT OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE TO SELF-DETERMINATION THROUGH THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION’, criticises the violence and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and welcomes the GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF TWO-STATE SOLUTIONS LED BY THE GCC, EU AND NORWAY.
Indeed, THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION HAS BEEN PROMINENTLY ADVANCED THROUGH DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS in European capitals such as Madrid and Oslo, but other EU member states are showing more resistance. The stance of some EU member states is thus criticised as being one-sidedly pro-Israel, which is leading to a significant loss of trust and credibility. Interlocutors in Gulf states are perplexed and upset by the pro-Israeli position of some European member states and the lack of commitment to push for a ceasefire and CREATE A REALISTIC OPTION TO ACHIEVE A TWO-STATE SOLUTION. In contrast to the EU, strict action towards the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Europe is seen as acting on a double standard, carving out its own view of human rights, humanitarian law and justice.
The Ukraine War: diverging positions on Russia
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the EU had hoped for stronger Gulf opposition to Russia, but countries like Saudi Arabia have declined to take such a position due to its COMPLEX RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA within OPEC+ or the UAE’s role in the BRICS+ group, in which Russia is also a member. HENCE, STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY REGARDING THE CONFLICT EXISTS IN ORDER TO PROTECT RESPECTIVE NATIONAL INTERESTS. Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in February 2022, some Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have undertaken mediation efforts that resulted in the release of Ukrainian children detained in Russia – negotiated by Qatar – and the exchange of war prisoners facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Saudi Arabia also provided more than USD 410 million in humanitarian aid and the UAE USD 105 million. In August 2023, the kingdom also held an international summit on the war in Ukraine in order to push its “NOT ALONE SAUDI” APPROACH AS AN INTERNATIONAL HONEST BROKER WITH FLEXIBLE COMMUNICATION LINES TO ALL WARRING PARTIES.
Despite the fact that Europe conveyed the message to the Gulf that Russia was, is, and remains to be an unreliable partner and holds close military ties to Iran, for them, Moscow is a partner in energy, security, and economy in times of global power shifts and de-risking efforts.
Illustratively, in October 2024, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin called Saudi Arabia an acceptable location for Russian-Ukrainian peace talks. Nevertheless, both the EU and the GCC agreed to demand Russia’s withdrawal of all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. They have also expressed interest in supporting all efforts to facilitate the export of grains and all food and humanitarian supplies to contribute to achieving food security for the affected countries.
MARITIME SECURITY: UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
IN TERMS OF MARITIME SECURITY, BOTH THE EU AND THE GCC SHOW A STRATEGIC INTEREST IN ENHANCING COOPERATION TO PRESERVE GLOBAL SEA TRADE AND COMMERCE LINES. Nevertheless, substantial outcomes remain weak so far. In the Red Sea, the European naval mission Aspides is considered a step in the right direction by the Gulf states, but they did not join it. From their perspective, efforts are poorly managed and too incomprehensive to stop local attacks of the Yemeni Houthis on international vessels.
So far, coordination with GCC activities is lacking. Furthermore, THE GCC DEMANDS FROM THE EU A MORE COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY AND DEFENCE STRATEGY, INCLUDING EXPANDED MILITARY-TO-MILITARY CONTACTS, CLOSER COOPERATION IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY, AND JOINT MILITARY TRAINING SESSIONS FEATURE PROMINENTLY ON THEIR AGENDA.
Dealing with Iran: deterrence and de-escalation
Both the EU and the GCC are following Iran’s nuclear aspirations, the growing escalation of tensions with Israel and its support for regional proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas or the Houthis, as well as ballistic missile deliveries to Russia with serious concern. In the final statement, the importance of diplomatic engagement with Iran and the need for joint EU-GCC dialogue on Iran are stressed. However, strategies how for dealing with Iran differ from each other: whereas the level of EU engagement with Iran has decreased in recent years, it has intensified from the Gulf states’ side. They are in fact promoting tactical reconciliation with Iran, highlighted by the resumption of ties between Riyadh and Tehran in March 2023. As most of the Gulf states are highly interested in conflict mitigation and de-escalation, they will continue to engage with Tehran in order to avoid a full-fledged regional war.
Direct communication channels have been established and Iranian and Gulf officials are meeting regularly. After the killing of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in October 2024, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi travelled to Doha to meet with his Gulf counterparts and PERSONALLY DISCUSSED REGIONAL AFFAIRS WITH MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN.
However, mistrust in Iran remains high as the Islamic Republic still poses a direct security threat to the Gulf states, and the EU’s position on Iran is currently mainly driven by deterrence based on new sanctions. Against this backdrop, adopting a nuanced approach that balances deterrence with diplomatic engagement is sorely needed. For instance, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia could be involved as monitoring parties in case Europe restarts negotiations with Iran on the nuclear program.
RECONSTRUCTING PEOPLE: CULTURAL DIALOGUE AND EDUCATION
So far, public knowledge about the EU on the Gulf and vice versa seems to be minimal. Expert discussions and a constructive debate about the necessity to engage with each other are oftentimes limited to a small policy-making and expert community and are lacking a broader dimension, including actors from media, civil society, and large parts of societies. This needs to be addressed.
THEREFORE, THE EU AND THE GCC AIM TO INTENSIFY PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS TO INVEST IN THE ‘RECONSTRUCTION OF PEOPLE’ IN AN EFFORT TO REBUILD TRUST AND GENERATE MORE KNOWLEDGE.
The EU can support cross-regional ties in education, vocational training, skills development and civic participation. From 2021-2027, for instance, the EU-initiated Erasmus+ will offer possibilities for partner institutions in the Gulf to develop curricula such as teaching modules on EU-related matters via the Jean Monnet actions.
Higher education institutions from the region will also be able to join academic consortia with the EU and other international partners, delivering integrated Master’s degree programmes via the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters. In addition, the International Credit Mobility, which facilitates short-term exchanges for academic students and staff, and the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures, which offer the opportunity to co-design a joint Master’s degree, are now also accessible to partner institutions in the Gulf region.
BUSINESS MATTERS: ECONOMIC AND ENERGY RELATIONS AND INTERCONNECTIVITY
ECONOMIC COOPERATION CONSTITUTES THE MOST ROBUST PILLAR OF EU-GCC RELATIONS. AFTER ALL, THE EU IS THE GULF STATES’ SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER CHINA. ADDITIONALLY, THE EU’S OUTWARD INVESTMENTS IN THE GCC, WHICH REACHED EUR 215 BILLION IN 2022, MAKE IT ONE OF THE LARGEST INVESTORS IN THE REGION.
INSTITUTIONAL BUSINESS MEETINGS SUCH AS EU-GCC BUSINESS FORUMS OR THE INAUGURATION OF THE FIRST EUROPEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE GULF REGION IN RIYADH IN MAY 2024 SHOW SOME PROGRESS IN EU-GCC ECONOMIC AFFAIRS. For instance, FOR THE EU, THE GCC HAS EMERGED AS A RELEVANT PARTNER IN ENERGY AND TRADE, WHEREAS THE GULF CONSIDERS THE EU AS AN INTERESTING PARTNER IN TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, KNOW-HOW TRANSFER, INVESTMENTS, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), TOURISM, FINTECH AND HEALTH.
As all Gulf states are undergoing substantial socioeconomic transformation and have to create jobs for their young populations, they are in dire need of comprehensive partnership models, foreign direct investments and trade. Here, the EU remains an attractive business partner. However, the most contested issue remains the failed implementation of an EU-GCC free trade agreement (FTA), which was initiated 35 years ago.
After negotiations were put on hold in 2008, they were revived in 2023, and the goal to aim for a regional FTA is still mentioned in the joint statement. However, a breakthrough is not in sight, which is why Gulf experts and EU representations are rather pessimistic that a multilateral FTA could be achieved. Instead of a realistic option, the FTA has become an obstacle and obsession that some observers already call dead. Therefore, alternatives are discussed, and some Gulf and European governments are pushing for bilateral agreements, which is not in the EU’s interest.
ADDITIONALLY, EUROPE’S NEED FOR ENERGY DIVERSIFICATION SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE UKRAINE WAR HAS ACCELERATED COOPERATION AGREEMENTS WITH GULF ENERGY PRODUCERS. THE EU AND THE GCC ALSO WANT TO PUSH MORE MULTILATERAL COOPERATION IN RENEWABLES AND HYDROGEN, but here, again, bilateral deals are considered as prioritised options indicated by Germany’s increased energy cooperation with Qatar and the UAE.
The EU-GCC Green Transition Project was launched in April 2024, but still, concrete cooperation on a multilateral level remains limited, as the EU Member States do not position themselves as relevant off-takers for hydrogen imports from the Gulf. High costs and difficult transport remain additional challenges.
Furthermore, opposing views on the speed and comprehensiveness of decarbonisation efforts have resulted in a lack of concrete cooperation. FOR THE GULF STATES, DECARBONISATION HAS EMERGED AS A STRATEGIC GOAL – but not at all cost. As they are still relying on fossil resources, decarbonisation will happen through carbonisation. THE EU, IN TURN, IS PROMOTING ITS GREEN DEAL AND PUSHING FOR MORE GREEN ENERGY COOPERATION. HOWEVER, REAL LEVERAGE IS LACKING, AS THE GULF STATES ARE EXPORTING MOST OF THEIR FOSSIL ENERGY TO ASIAN COUNTRIES;
Europe has lost its significance. Furthermore, the challenge of the EU is, quite simply, that it is the EU: oftentimes, institutional procedures are too time-consuming and too bureaucratic, which also hampers EU-GCC energy cooperation.
Finally, interconnectivity to diversify and secure supply chains globally needs to be improved to promote energy and economic partnership in the fields of data cable connections, energy grid integration or hydrogen transportation. Joint initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the EU framework of Global Gateway have not yet materialised, and perspectives look grim in light of regional escalation. However, BOTH PARTIES NEED EACH OTHER TO ACHIEVE THEIR AMBITIOUS ECONOMIC GOALS. In this regard, trilateral partnerships in African regions or Asia could become a concrete field of mutual action if expectations are managed realistically.
RESTORING CREDIBILITY: CHALLENGES AND CHANCES WILL REMAIN HIGH
FOR THE GULF STATES, THE EU REMAINS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER, BUT NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. IN A TIME OF MULTIPOLAR GLOBAL REORGANISATION, ALL GULF STATES ARE DIVERSIFYING THEIR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS. CLOSER COOPERATION WITH CHINA, RUSSIA, INDIA, and other non-Western actors has, therefore, become a key principle in the Gulf: to make their national economies less dependent on oil, THE GULF STATES NEED AS MANY BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AS POSSIBLE. FOR THIS REASON, THEY DO NOT WANT TO ALIGN WITH ANY ONE BLOC, BUT INSTEAD SEEK TO MAINTAIN STRATEGIC AUTONOMY. IN THIS CONTEXT, THE EU REMAINS RELEVANT, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC, TECHNOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION.
However, EU-GCC relations will remain difficult and complex. IN THE GULF, THE EU IS CRITICISED FOR BEING DIVIDED, FRAGMENTED, OVERLY BUREAUCRATIC AND INFLEXIBLE. Furthermore, divergent interests and perspectives on the EU exist even within the Gulf, which could make specific joint initiatives more challenging in the future. The credibility of Europe has faced serious damage that could not be easily reversed, as Gulf interlocutors say. Therefore, the summit took place amid a period of growing anti-Western and anti-European sentiment that has intensified since the Israel-Gaza war started.
THE EU IS MAINLY CONSIDERED A ‘TOOTHLESS TIGER’ AND A BYSTANDER IN REGIONAL AFFAIRS THAT IS LACKING POLITICAL LEVERAGE. Nevertheless, this summit could create momentum and causes sceptical optimism. BOTH SIDES NEED EACH OTHER, AND BOTH PURSUE FUNDAMENTALLY SIMILAR GOALS. Despite existing reservations and a loss of trust, DECISION-MAKERS IN THE GULF AND EU AGREE THAT THE MANY CRISES CAN ONLY BE RESOLVED TOGETHER. This is why further dialogue formats were agreed upon: SUCH SUMMITS ARE NOW TO BE HELD REGULARLY EVERY TWO YEARS – THE NEXT ONE IN 2026 IN SAUDI ARABIA. Meetings at the ministerial level (the next in 2025 in Kuwait), joint initiatives in international climate and energy policy, exchange programs in education, culture, media, sports and the arts, as well as institutional cooperation in trade and economic policy, could bring this momentum to life.
THE POTENTIAL IS ENORMOUS, but realistic expectations must be managed. To restore lost trust, both sides must TAKE MORE RESPONSIBILITY AS CONFLICT MEDIATORS AND USE THEIR VARIOUS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS TO PREVENT FURTHER REGIONAL ESCALATION.
ADDITIONALLY, UPCOMING MEGA EVENTS SUCH AS THE RIYADH EXPO 2030 OR THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2034 COULD SERVE AS DRIVERS FOR ENHANCED PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS FUNDED BY GULF AND EUROPEAN STAKEHOLDERS AND GENERATE A REAL SENSE OF OWNERSHIP between students, researchers, artists, athletes, journalists, and businesspeople. Concrete policy recommendations such as developing a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Pact, implementing a Joint Workforce Development Programs, FORMING A SECURITY AND DEFENSE COUNCIL, or promoting joint projects in sustainable urban development are on the table and need to be discussed further.
SECRETARY GENERAL SETS OUT VISION FOR DEEPER NATO–SAUDI ARABIA COOPERATION IN HISTORIC FIRST VISIT TO RIYADH
12 Dec. 2023 – Last updated: 13 Dec. 2023 09:12
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg set out his vision for DEEPER COOPERATION BETWEEN NATO AND THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA IN AN HISTORIC VISIT TO RIYADH – THE FIRST EVER BY A SITTING SECRETARY GENERAL OF NATO.
In a public discussion at the Saudi Armed Forces Command and Staff College on Wednesday (13 December 2023), Mr Stoltenberg underlined Saudi Arabia’s leading role in the Arab and Muslim world, AND IDENTIFIED AREAS WHERE THE ALLIANCE AND THE KINGDOM COULD DO MORE TOGETHER – INCLUDING ON MARITIME SECURITY, THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM, AS WELL AS INNOVATION AND MILITARY EDUCATION. “I believe there IS HUGE POTENTIAL FOR NATO TO DO MORE WITH SAUDI ARABIA because we have mutual challenges,” said the Secretary General, pointing to issues including Iran’s destabilising influence in the region, as well as climate change.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL RECENTLY APPOINTED A GROUP OF EXTERNAL EXPERTS TO REVIEW NATO’S APPROACH TO THE GULF, THE MIDDLE EAST, AND AFRICA, CALLING THIS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE NEW AVENUES OF COOPERATION.
Addressing Ukraine, Mr Stoltenberg stressed that Russia is conducting a war of aggression against a sovereign, independent nation, but also against the entire rules-based international order, affecting global food and energy security. The Secretary General said that NATO will continue to stand with Ukraine, providing political and practical support.
On Tuesday, Mr Stoltenberg met with Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji, thanking him for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and UNDERLINING HIS DESIRE TO STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN NATO AND THE KINGDOM. The Secretary General also held talks with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. “DIALOGUE WITH OUR PARTNERS IS DEEPLY IMPORTANT TO NATO, AND WE VALUE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GCC,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, Mr Stoltenberg visited the headquarters of SAUDI ARABIAN MILITARY INDUSTRIES (SAMI), WHERE HE DISCUSSED INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION AND POTENTIAL FUTURE AVENUES FOR COOPERATION with Chief Executive Officer Walid Abukhaled. Later in the day, he exchanged views with a group of policy makers, think tank experts and media in a meeting hosted by Dr Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Centre.
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL VISITS THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
12 Dec. 2023 – 13 Dec. 2023 Last updated: 12 Dec. 2023 11:59
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