American technology firm Collins Aerospace has inked a partnership agreement with a Saudi Arabian firm to develop combat drones and conduct robotics research.
A memorandum of understanding was signed during IDEX 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the deal, Collins will provide its extensive unmanned aerial system (UAS) integration expertise to SRB Aerial Systems to help develop advanced drones in the kingdom.
The company’s experience in producing cost-effective mission systems hardware and software will reportedly serve as critical assets in developing UAS sovereign capabilities in the country.
“This partnership is a key step in supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Vision 2030 to bring locally owned and manufactured products to KSA,” Collins Aerospace president Colin Mahoney said.
‘Technological Perspective’
Collins Aerospace’s role in the agreement will primarily focus on the “technological perspective,” providing subject matter expertise and helping SRB work smoothly with the kingdom’s defense ministry.
SRB chief operating officer Tarik Solomon said that the American firm would support them in testing and meeting the requirements of the Saudi military.
“Together, SRB Aerial Systems and Collins Aerospace will develop the framework to support research and development of strategic UAS and robotic technologies for the Saudi forces as we ambition to grow our offering with UAS weapons and Urban Air Mobility solutions,” SRB chief executive Ahmed Al-Jehani stressed.
The final system should be ready for low-rate initial production by 2024.