Lockheed Martin has officially launched a new software development center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the nation’s pursuit of technological self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Saudi government’s aim to enhance its sovereign digital capabilities and complements Lockheed Martin’s ongoing expansion in the region.
The newly established facility is poised to introduce Lockheed’s comprehensive software development ecosystem to Saudi Arabia. It is part of a larger movement towards a more adaptable command-and-control architecture and features enhanced integration and delivery pipelines, as well as a distributed software factory model.
Designed with versatility in mind, the center aims to support missions on tactical, operational, and strategic levels. It also facilitates the secure adoption of third-party applications, providing the necessary infrastructure for the Kingdom’s emerging digital landscape.
Joseph Rank, the chief executive for Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia and Africa, emphasized that this center will significantly contribute to the country’s efforts in “building local capacity and accelerating the transfer of advanced technical expertise.” He noted that the initiative would not only bolster job creation in the U.S. but also extend the reach of the American defense industry on an international scale.
“The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Saudi industry and academia serves as a powerful demonstration of our ability to develop integrated command-and-control capabilities within the Kingdom,” Rank stated, highlighting the potential of the partnership.
Early achievements from the software factory include a collaboration with Saudi interns from the SAMI Advanced Electronics Company, a branch of the state-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries. This teamwork resulted in the successful integration of commercial aircraft location data into Lockheed Martin’s CommandIQ battle management suite in under two weeks.
Ziad Al-Musallam, CEO of the SAMI Advanced Electronics Company, expressed a commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s defense capabilities through the development of local engineering expertise. He remarked that their partnership exemplifies how joint teams can swiftly implement advanced software into operational command-and-control frameworks.
In addition to the software center, Lockheed Martin is establishing a Talent Studio in Saudi Arabia focused on training local engineers through various educational pathways. Set to commence in 2026, the program aims to cultivate thousands of digital enterprise engineers and leaders, thereby solidifying Saudi Arabia’s reliance on domestic talent and expertise in the defense sector.
