Lockheed to Build C2 Software Hub in Saudi Arabia
Lockheed Martin plans to establish a new command and control (C2) software factory in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the Middle East and a deepening of technological cooperation with the Kingdom. According to the article “Lockheed Martin to launch C2 software factory in Saudi Arabia” published by Breaking Defense, the new facility is intended to support both Saudi Arabia’s military modernization efforts and the broader strategic objectives outlined in the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
The software factory will focus on developing advanced C2 capabilities tailored for regional clients, including systems that enable real-time decision-making and strategic coordination across air, land, sea, and cyber domains. While specific timelines have not been publicly disclosed, officials indicated that the plant will be staffed with both Saudi and international engineers, with an emphasis on cultivating local expertise.
Lockheed Martin executive Joseph Rank, chief executive for Saudi Arabia, described the initiative as a key step in building indigenous capabilities that will contribute to a secure and technologically advanced defense infrastructure within the Kingdom. He emphasized that the project not only enhances Saudi Arabia’s capacity for digital defense solutions, but also reflects Lockheed Martin’s long-term commitment to investing in local talent and industry partnerships.
The move arrives amid a broader push by Western defense contractors to localize production and technical expertise in Gulf states, which have sought to reduce reliance on foreign imports and increase domestic defense capabilities. Saudi Arabia in particular has made indigenous development a core pillar of its defense procurement strategy, often requiring international firms to provide significant technology transfers and training opportunities.
Analysts view the planned software facility as potentially transformative for Saudi Arabia’s military posture, particularly in a region where digital integration and command systems are becoming increasingly important in both conventional and asymmetric conflict scenarios. Moreover, the factory could serve as a hub for regional clients seeking sophisticated, locally-developed solutions, potentially boosting Saudi Arabia’s role as a defense technology provider within the Middle East.
Lockheed Martin’s history of collaboration with Saudi Arabia spans five decades, and the new initiative appears to be an extension of that longstanding relationship. Previous projects have included work on integrated air and missile defense systems, tactical aircraft, and cybersecurity training programs. The addition of dedicated C2 software development adds a new digital dimension to that portfolio.
While the full strategic implications of the software factory will unfold over time, the announcement signals a firm alignment of commercial interests and geopolitical strategies between Lockheed Martin and the Saudi government. As the Kingdom seeks to position itself as a high-tech defense hub through Vision 2030, partnerships like this underscore the growing convergence of defense modernization, industrial localization, and long-term regional security planning.
