John Cockerill Defense and Alkhorayef Sign MoU to Localize Manufacturing of Advanced Turret Systems in Saudi Arabia

February 11, 2026

Alkhorayef and John Cockerill today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership to advance the local manufacturing of turret systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement marks an important milestone in accelerating industrial localization, strengthening national supply chains, and building long-term sovereign capabilities in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Under the MoU, the initial phase of cooperation will focus on the local manufacturing of 105mm turret systems, encompassing key components and sub-systems up to final turret assembly. This includes the complete gun assembly, armoured aluminium shell, composite add-on armour, and other critical elements required to deliver a fully integrated turret solution. In addition to the 105mm turret program, the partnership will also address medium-caliber turret capabilities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambitions to broaden its defense industrial base and expand high-value manufacturing and engineering expertise locally.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating a sovereign, sustainable ecosystem for turret system manufacturing in Saudi Arabia—one that supports national readiness, increases local content, and develops specialized skills and advanced industrial processes within the Kingdom.

Sheikh Saad Alkhorayef, Chairman of the Alkhorayef Group: “This MoU is a meaningful step toward building enduring industrial capabilities in Saudi Arabia. By localizing turret manufacturing—starting with 105mm systems and expanding into medium-caliber—we aim to contribute to Vision 2030 through technology transfer, workforce development, and the creation of sustainable local supply chains.”

Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill Defense: “John Cockerill is proud to partner with Alkhorayef to support the Kingdom’s industrial transformation goals. Together, we will work to localize key turret technologies, enable advanced manufacturing, and support the development of a skilled Saudi talent base to deliver high-performance solutions.”

Source : John Cockerill