Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s push for military procurement localization, an ongoing defense expo in Riyadh has showcased top Chinese defense products, garnering significant interest. Fighter jets, drones, and armored vehicles from Chinese arms firms have taken center stage, with experts noting the potential for technology transfers to contribute to localized manufacturing.
Participating in the World Defense Show 2024, a Chinese defense delegation and the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force are making their presence felt in the Saudi capital from February 4 to 8. The event boasts 770 exhibitors from over 75 countries, with China’s representation, in terms of exhibitors and exhibition area, being second only to the host nation, Saudi Arabia.
Chinese arms manufacturers have proudly displayed a diverse range of their top products, spanning land, sea, and air domains. Among the showcased items are warplanes such as the FC-31 stealth fighter jet, the JH-7 fighter bomber, and strategic transport aircraft like the Y-20 and Y-9. Additionally, drones including the Wing Loong series have garnered attention, alongside vessels, tanks, howitzers, radars, air defense systems, and missiles.
Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve a 50 percent localization rate in military procurement by 2030 has positioned Chinese defense firms as valuable partners in this endeavor. Achieving such a localization target within a decade presents significant challenges, and analysts view cooperation with China as pivotal to realizing this goal.
Building a robust industrial foundation and supply chain for independent defense equipment manufacturing will take time for Saudi Arabia. However, China’s comprehensive industrial capabilities offer valuable support in accelerating this process. Cooperation could initially involve Chinese firms producing core components, with subsequent assembly taking place in Saudi Arabia, thus progressively increasing the localization rate.
Chinese defense products are not only competitively priced but also renowned for their advanced technologies and superior quality. Furthermore, Chinese firms offer comprehensive after-sales services without imposing political conditions. For clients seeking technological transfers and cooperation, Chinese manufacturers are willing to accommodate, even offering assembly line setups to bolster clients’ defense industries and enhance national defense capabilities.
The debut flight performance of J-10 fighter jets from the PLA Air Force’s Bayi Aerobatic Team at the World Defense Show 2024 marked a significant milestone. This marked the first visit of the Bayi Aerobatic Team to Saudi Arabia, showcasing PLA Air Force capabilities and fostering deeper ties with the Middle Eastern nation. Additionally, the PLA Air Force’s utilization of the YU-20 aerial tanker for aerial refueling during the transition process underscored the PLA’s operational proficiency and commitment to international cooperation.
Saudi Arabia needs to buy Chinese defense items and save money.