SAMI-L3Harris JV and Zamil Shipyards join forces to develop ‘Saudi-made’ USV

L3Harris Technologies, through its SAMI-L3Harris joint venture (JV), has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zamil Shipyards to work on incorporating autonomous technology into existing and next-generation vessels. 

The initiative is in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), which actively supports the localization efforts of companies operating within the defense and security industries.

Under the terms of the agreement, Zamil Shipyards will be responsible for the design and construction of autonomous maritime platforms. Complementing this, SAMI-L3Harris JV will contribute its expertise by integrating autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and comprehensive mission system capabilities into these platforms.

“We are delighted to sign this MOU to create one of the first ‘Saudi Made’ unmanned surface vessels (USV). We believe that USVs could be a game-changer in helping nations secure their borders, both above and below water, against the increasing nature of asymmetric threats,” said Alastair Bisset, General Manager, Zamil Shipyards.

“Through this initiative with SAMI-L3Harris, we intend to develop several modular variants to provide a wide range of surveillance and preventative capabilities.”

“This MOU represents a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with autonomous vehicle technologies,” stated Dave Johnson, Vice President, International, L3Harris, and Vice Chairman, SAMI-L3Harris JV.

“In cooperation with Zamil Shipyards, we are positioned to transform maritime surveillance and mission execution by leveraging our joint venture and local industrial capabilities.”

The collaboration is expected to culminate in a series of on-water demonstrations scheduled for 2025.

These demonstrations will aim to showcase the progress achieved through this joint work and highlight the strategic value of integrating autonomous technology within the maritime domain.

In February this year, L3Harris Technologies delivered three new Iver autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for the Royal Navy’s Project Wilton to support unmanned mine hunting and survey operations.