The Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI) emerged as a leading participant in the fifth edition of the Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS), which is being held under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The show was opened by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of the Bahraini King and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of BIAS, and runs from 14-16 November 2018 at the Sakhir Airbase in southern Bahrain. SAMI's participation in BIAS comes in an effort to explore investment opportunities offered by the show and reflects the historical relations between the two kingdoms at all levels and the economic prosperity Bahrain has achieved. Following the ribbon-opening ceremony, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa visited SAMI's pavilion where he was briefed on the company's achievements and military services in four key areas, namely aeronautics, land systems, weapons and missiles, and defense electronics. In remarks following his visit, he expressed admiration and appreciation for the qualitative leap of the Saudi military industries, under the guidance and with the unlimited support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense. Dr. Andreas Schwer, Chief Executive Officer of SAMI, expressed his pride with the company's participation in the region's most advanced air show. He said: "This important international event provides a unique platform for meeting decision-makers and industry leaders in aviation and military industries from all over the world, as well as the aviation ecosystem as a whole. The air show has cemented its reputation as an unparalleled venue to exchange ideas and expertise on challenges and opportunities in these two vital sectors." "Our participation in the Bahrain International Air Show is aimed at highlighting SAMI's growing military capabilities and showcasing our achievements in enhancing self-sufficiency in defense capabilities. We are keen to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the show and the promising investment prospects in Saudi Arabia's booming military industries in order to support the Kingdom's vision of localizing over 50 percent of military equipment spending by 2030," Dr. Schwer added. SAMI has earlier announced the launch of its joint venture, ‘SAMI Navantia Naval Industries,' with Navantia S.A. to design and build five Avante 2200 corvettes with Combat Management System for the Ministry of Defense of Saudi Arabia.
