Boeing Defense, Space & Security in the Middle East
The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business unit provides military aircraft and network and space systems to customers around the globe. BDS’ presence in the Middle East goes back to 1982, when Boeing Middle East Limited (BMEL) was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In 2006, Boeing established another Saudi subsidiary, Boeing International Support Systems — Saudi Arabia and received three different investment licenses in 2010 to expand current operations and to execute new projects and business in the Kingdom.
In 2013, the company was renamed Boeing Saudi Arabia to reflect the broad scope of Boeing activities; today, Boeing Saudi Arabia Limited supports the execution of all Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Boeing Commercial Airplanes programs in Saudi Arabia.
Since then, BDS has expanded its relationships across the region with a focus on Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt. It opened its second regional office in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 1999 and a full-fledged presence was established in Doha, Qatar in 2011.
Today, BDS offers a robust portfolio of products, systems, services and solutions to its Middle East customers, partners and suppliers, including products from Boeing Military Aircraft, Network and Space Systems, and Global Services and Support.
Products provided by BDS to customers in the region include the C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters; F/A-18, F-15S/SA, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Apache and tanker aircraft; as well as Boeing 376, 601 and 702 satellites operated by Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications.
Boeing continues to contribute to the expansion of the technical base of the Alsalam Aerospace Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in both civil and military applications. The Company was established after a Boeing-led consortium won a major land-based, integrated air defense contract in Saudi Arabia called Peace Shield in 1985.
In that same year, Boeing and local partners began a formal program to meet offset obligations by proposing a number of industrial projects to benefit the kingdom. The following four programs were eventually adopted for implementation:
- Alsalam Aerospace Industries (AAI): A fully integrated aircraft modification, maintenance and repair center for commercial and military aircraft.
- Advanced Electronics Company (AEC): An advanced-technology company with capabilities in electronics design, development, manufacturing, repair and modification.
- Aircraft Accessories and Components Company (AACC): A precision engineering facility equipped to service, overhaul and remanufacture aircraft accessories and components to international standards.
- International Systems Engineering (ISE): A company providing a full range of computer-related software products, systems and services.
Currently, Boeing holds the largest stake at Alsalam and continues to contribute to the expansion of Alsalam’s technical base for both civil and military applications.
BDS continues to partner and pursue opportunities with a number of Middle East investment authorities in order to help craft the future of aerospace in the region and remains committed to strengthening these industrial partnerships, while exploring new opportunities.