P-8A arrival to Naval Air Station Patuxent River
U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia was fruitful for Boeing and Lockheed Martin, as a series of agreements are set to expand its reach, the companies said.
On the Boeing side, agreements were signed for a Ch-47 guided weapon systems, intent to order P-8 maritime, a joint venture with Saudi Arabia for sustainment services, commercial registration certificate for a rotorcraft support company and an agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes.
“These announcements reaffirm our commitment to the economic growth, prosperity and national security of both Saudi Arabia and the United States, helping to create or sustain thousands of jobs in our two countries,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing’s chairman, president and CEO. “Our decades-long partnership with the Kingdom began in 1945 when President Roosevelt presented a DC-3 to King Abdul Aziz Al Saud, launching commercial air travel in the region. We welcome the opportunity to continue that support. I appreciate the efforts of King Salman, President Trump and his administration to support American manufacturers as we seek to grow at home and around the world.”
Lockheed Martin deals included a letter of intent for final assembly and completion of S-70 Black Hawks, a memorandum of understanding to build defense capabilities in Saudi Arabia, and letters of offer and acceptance and a memorandum of intent for U.S. foreign military sales for radar systems, surveillance systems, missiles defense systems, ships, and tactical aircraft and rotary-wing programs.
The deals for both companies also contribute to His Majesty’s Vision 2030, which includes creation of thousands of high-skill jobs in new economic sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saudi participated in a signing ceremony.