HEET armored vehicles: The pride of the Saudi military industry
In a historic move reflecting the rapid development of the defense sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SAMI Ground Systems, the land-based arm of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company (SAMI), owned by the Public Investment Fund, announced the launch of the HEET armored vehicle project. This announcement, coinciding with preparations for the third edition of the World Defense Show 2026, marks a significant milestone in the localization of military industries, as the project boasts 100% Saudi intellectual property and design.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and the localization of defense
This achievement cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, which has set a strategic goal of localizing more than 50% of government military spending. The HEET vehicle project is a practical embodiment of this vision, as the Kingdom transitions from importing and operating to manufacturing and innovation. This transformation is a cornerstone for enhancing the Kingdom's strategic independence and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for sensitive defense systems, thus granting Saudi decision-makers greater flexibility in managing national security matters.
Advanced technical specifications and combat capabilities
The HEET armored vehicles are designed as a multi-mission combat platform, with the project producing various variants including 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 drive. These vehicles are characterized by their superior maneuverability across the Kingdom's diverse terrain, whether desert, rugged mountains, or paved areas. The vehicles are equipped with advanced armor systems that provide high ballistic protection for the crew, as well as integrated command and control (C2) systems.
One of the most distinctive features of this system is its integration with the "Vision" armed combat turret (12.7 mm caliber), equipped with precise day and night targeting and surveillance systems. The vehicle's flexible architecture also allows for the integration of heavier combat turrets up to 105 mm caliber, providing direct and intense fire support capabilities on the battlefield, whether the vehicle is manned or unmanned.
Sami Industrial Complex: An Innovation Incubator
The production lines for this massive project will be housed in the SAMI Ground Systems Industrial Complex, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. Spanning 82,000 square meters of built-up area within a large industrial complex, the complex utilizes Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence and industrial robotics.
This complex is not just a factory; it is a national center for technology transfer and human resource development, providing over 1,000 high-quality jobs for Saudi engineers and technicians. With a production capacity of 1,500 military vehicles annually, the complex ensures the sustainability of national supply chains and enhances the combat readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces.
Regional and international impact
The Kingdom’s success in producing armored vehicles with complete intellectual property rights represents a shift in the industrial balance of power in the region. Possessing the capability to design and manufacture these vehicles opens the door for the Kingdom to become a major supplier of defense systems in the region in the future, rather than merely a consumer. This project also strengthens SAMI’s position among the world’s largest defense companies, confirming the ability of Saudi talent to lead complex engineering projects that meet the highest international military standards.
