Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskander visited Saudi Arabia to explore space and aviation cooperation with the Kingdom. He was accompanied by a delegation and met senior officials at SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company.
The king was welcomed by SAMI’s CEO, Thamer Al-Muhid, and other senior executives. During the visit, they discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in aerospace, space, and aviation technologies. The discussions focused on expanding partnerships and sharing technical expertise.
He toured SAMI’s facilities and received briefings on the company’s advanced capabilities. These include maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, as well as initiatives to localize space and aviation industries in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The visit highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its aerospace capabilities.
SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries aims to build sustainable industrial capabilities in aerospace systems. By investing in technology and workforce development, the company seeks to support long-term growth in the space and aviation sectors. Malaysia expressed interest in leveraging this expertise for joint projects and knowledge exchange.
Both countries agreed to explore potential collaboration in aerospace research, aircraft maintenance programs, and space technology initiatives. Moreover, they discussed how partnerships could enhance regional capabilities, boost industrial development, and create skilled job opportunities.
This visit reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global space and aviation industries and Malaysia’s commitment to international cooperation. By combining resources and expertise, both nations aim to strengthen their aerospace sectors while advancing technological innovation and sustainability.
Furthermore, the Malaysian delegation expressed interest in joint training programs for engineers and technicians. By participating in hands-on workshops and exchange programs, Malaysian experts could gain practical experience in advanced aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and space operations. This cooperation aims to foster knowledge transfer and improve workforce capabilities.
In addition, both countries plan to explore research and development initiatives in environmentally friendly aviation technologies. Consequently, they aim to reduce carbon emissions, enhance fuel efficiency, and promote sustainable practices within the aerospace and aviation industries. Such initiatives will support long-term environmental goals and strengthen international partnerships.
Ultimately, they discussed potential investment in collaborative space missions, satellite development, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. By coordinating on research projects, sharing data, and developing joint ventures, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia can accelerate innovation. This collaboration may also enhance regional aerospace security and support global competitiveness in space and aviation sectors.
