Leonardo DRS signs MOI with Saudi Arabia for collaboration opportunities within C6ISR space

Leonardo DRS' new smart displays showcased at DSEI 2025. (Giles Ebbutt)

Leonardo DRS has signed a memorandum of intent (MOI) with the Saudi Ministry of Defense (MoD) to work together on opportunities in network and combat computing, according to a 9 December press release from Leonardo DRS.

According to the press release, the signing of the MOI will also provide Saudi Arabia with support from Leonardo DRS in battlespace communications and vehicle integration services.

The MOI identifies collaboration opportunities for the following capabilities: battle management systems including providing digital command-and-control (C2) tools; command, control, communications, computers, cyber defence, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C6ISR) systems for units at brigade level; rugged vehicle computing hardware multifunctional rugged displays (MRD); vehicle communication systems; mobile situational awareness (SA) capabilities for special forces and dismounted soldiers; and vehicle integration and engineering services.

The exploration of opportunities within rugged vehicle computing hardware MRD as part of the MOI also builds on Leonardo DRS's May 2025 memorandum of agreement (MOA) with state-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and SAMI subsidiary Advanced Electronics Company (AEC). The agreement included in-country production of data distribution units (DDUs) and MRD. The aim was to localise the manufacture of combat management system devices and the support of C2, reconnaissance, and computing operations, according to a Leonardo DRS social media post from 13 May.