HEET armored vehicles: The pride of the Saudi military industry in line with Vision 2030
In a strategic move reflecting the rapid development of the military industries sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SAMI Ground Systems, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company (SAMI), which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, unveiled its ambitious national project to produce HEET armored vehicles. This announcement, made in preparation for the third edition of the World Defense Show 2026, represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom's journey towards defense self-sufficiency.
A national project with 100% Saudi intellectual property rights
The HEET vehicle project is a fully integrated national project, developed with purely Saudi intellectual property and design, and will be produced entirely within the Kingdom by Saudi hands. The project aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Saudi Armed Forces and raise their combat readiness, thereby reducing reliance on foreign imports and granting the Kingdom greater independence in its armament and development decisions.
Advanced technical specifications and combat capabilities
The HEET armored vehicles are designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. The project produces multiple classes of wheeled armored vehicles, including 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 models. These vehicles possess superior maneuverability across diverse terrains, whether desert, rugged, or paved. They are also equipped with advanced armor systems to protect the crew and integrated command and control systems.
One of the vehicle's key features is its flexible, modular design, which allows for versatility and the integration of various weapon systems, both manned and unmanned. The design supports the integration of the 12.7mm "Vision" combat turret equipped with day and night targeting systems, and the platform is also designed to accommodate combat turrets with calibers up to 105mm for providing direct fire support.
Context of Vision 2030 and Industrial Transformation
This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, which has set a strategic goal of localizing more than 50% of the Kingdom's military spending. After decades of total reliance on imports, Saudi Arabia is now moving towards a phase of "manufacturing and innovation," where possessing engineering and design know-how is the cornerstone of building a sustainable defense industry.
Sami Industrial Complex: A fortress of modern production
The production lines for this project will be housed in the SAMI Industrial Complex for Ground Systems, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. Spanning 82,000 square meters within a vast industrial area, the complex operates using Industry 4.0 technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics to ensure the highest quality standards.
The complex is expected to provide more than 1,000 quality jobs for Saudi talent, with a production capacity of up to 1,500 military vehicles per year, making it a regional hub for technology transfer and strengthening national supply chains.
Strategic and regional importance
The success of the HEET project sends a powerful message about the Saudi industry's ability to compete regionally and internationally. Possessing the capability to design and manufacture integrated defense platforms opens the door for the Kingdom to become a future arms exporter, enhancing its geopolitical influence and bolstering its national economy by diversifying its non-oil revenue streams.
