SAUDI ARABIA SEEKS TO DEVELOP ARMS INDUSTRY

ABU DHABI [MENL] -- Saudi Arabia plans to develop a military industry that
would reduce the kingdom's dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Saudi Defense Ministry has drafted a plan for the development of an
industry that would produce and supply spare parts for a range of platforms
in the Saudi military and security forces. The plan called for the industry
to be established in cooperation with the private sector.

"The plan would drastically reduce the cost of military programs by reducing
the need to buy spare parts and maintenance at premium prices," an official
said. "It would also maintain control over the cost of major projects."

Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled Bin Sultan has briefed Saudi
commanders and senior executives regarding the plan. Khaled has called for
the Saudi military to stipulate its requirements to leading companies in the
kingdom for the creation of an industry to produce spare parts.
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