ussabc brings large delegation of u.s. Defense and security companies to saudi arabia
the u.s.-saudi arabian business council (ussabc), in collaboration with the u.s. Commercial service, organized a delegation of executives from more than 20 top u.s. Defense and security companies on a business development mission to riyadh, saudi arabia from may 14-17, 2011. Former u.s. Senator and secretary of defense william s. Cohen, chairman and chief executive officer of the cohen group, served as the mission leader. The group represented one of the largest delegations of all time comprising of private sector u.s. Defense companies traveling to the kingdom. The delegation met with senior level saudi government officials and business leaders.
Secretary cohen has been directly involved in the middle east for more than 30 years on key issues related to national security, energy, commerce, and investment. During his time in the public sector, he visited the region on numerous occasions and established lasting relationships with key leaders in the region.
“the u.s. And saudi arabia have had a long and mutually beneficial business relationship over the past 70 plus years,” said secretary cohen. “i am pleased to return to saudi arabia with such a large delegation of leading u.s. Defense and security companies and lend my support to promoting greater trade and investment in this sector.”
the companies in the delegation represented a variety of technologies and services, ranging from military vehicles and armaments to security software and solutions. During the mission, delegates met with potential saudi partners through meetings pre-arranged by the u.s. Commercial service and attended a number of networking events and site visits, including a tour of advanced electronics company headquarters and manufacturing plant.
U.s. Ambassador to saudi arabia james b. Smith briefed participants on u.s.-saudi bilateral relations and provided them with the opportunity to learn more about saudi offset requirements and critical infrastructure projects. The participants also visited the council of saudi chambers of commerce and industry to learn more about the increasing private sector defense collaboration.
“while this mission is one of many programs organized by the business council each year, this is the first of the council’s missions focusing exclusively on the defense and security industries,” said edward burton, ussabc president and managing director. “the size and quality of the delegation demonstrate the eagerness of u.s. Companies looking to expand their role in the development of the saudi defense industry.”
as the largest economy in the gulf region, accounting for 25 percent of the region’s gdp, saudi arabia maintains one of the world’s fastest growing markets for defense and security solutions, equipment, and systems. As such, defense spending in the middle east is projected to reach $100 billion (sr375 billion) by 2014. The kingdom has invested billions of dollars to upgrade and increase security measures in cities, industrial installations, and transportation infrastructure. The development of the sector is resulting in tremendous market opportunities for u.s. Defense and security companies.
The following companies participated in the mission:
The cohen group is a global business consulting firm that was established in 2001 by former u.s. Secretary of defense william cohen. The company helps multinational clients explore overseas business opportunities and provides tools for understanding and shaping their business, political, legal, regulatory, and media environments. For more information, please visit
www.cohengroup.net.
3m company is one of the leading manufacturing conglomerates in the world with offices in more than 65 countries. Through its dedication to innovative thinking, 3m has established a strong presence in offices, manufacturing plants, construction sites, hospitals, supercomputer centers, automotive body shops, and households while employing over 70,000 people. For more information, please visit
www.3m.com.
Alliant techsystems, inc. (atk) is a world leader in delivering affordable innovation. The company is the leading provider of nato-standard small and medium-caliber ammunition, as well as a growing provider of aerospace composites such as wing skins and structural frames. Atk also supplies small satellites, satellite components, and subsystems. For more information, please visit
www.atk.com.
Bae systems, inc. Has over 107,000 employees worldwide and is a premier global defense and aerospace company. Bae systems has four operating groups that provide support and service solutions for defense, intelligence, and civilian systems while also manufacturing electronic systems, armored combat vehicles, artillery systems, and intelligent munitions. For more information, please visit
www.baesystems.com.
Boeing middle east limited is a subsidiary of the boeing company (boeing), the world’s largest aerospace company. Boeing provides products and services that include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, electronic and defense systems, and performance-based logistics and training. Established in riyadh in 1982, boeing middle east has expanded into the u.a.e. And also provides products to kuwait, qatar, oman, and egypt. For more information, please visit
www.boeing.com.
Concentric solutions international provides a variety of risk management and security services for high net worth individuals and corporations throughout the world, as well as tailored consulting and family management services. Solutions provided by the company include executive protection, threat assessments, physical security assessments, technical surveillance counter-measures, travel intelligence, and reputational management services. For more information, please visit
www.concentricsolutions.com.
Dyncorp international is a global government services provider, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy, and international development. The company’s core competencies include aviation, program management and security, intelligence services, and logistics and contingency support. Dyncorp international has extensive international expertise and over 60 years of experience working in remote locations. For more information, please visit
www.dyn-intl.com.
Eads north america is a division of eads, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and related systems. Eads provides a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace, and defense markets while meeting the requirements of government, military, and civilian customers. Eads is also active in the middle east and has worked on projects in saudi arabia and egypt. For more information, please visit
www.eadsnorthamerica.com.
Flir systems, inc. (flir), established in 1978, designs, manufactures, and markets thermal imaging infrared camera systems for a variety of applications in the commercial, industrial, and government markets. Conducting business in over 100 countries, flir focuses on three main areas: Thermography, commercial imaging systems, and government systems. The company’s infrared systems can be used in airborne, maritime, and land platforms. For more information, please visit
www.flir.com.
Ftr international, inc. (ftr) is a general contracting, engineering, and construction management firm that offers comprehensive services with a dedicated team managing the design and engineering of projects. The company maintains a diverse portfolio of public works projects relating to aviation, mass transit systems, port security services, complex water reclamation, health centers, and state-of-the-art science laboratories. Ftr also has offices in jeddah and riyadh. For more information, please visit
www.ftrintl.com.
Lockheed martin, founded in 1995, is a leading global security and information technology company. Divided into four separate operating units, the company focuses on the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Lockheed martin employs 133,000 people in 75 different countries, including the u.a.e., saudi arabia, egypt, and turkey. For more information, please visit
www.lockheedmartin.com.
Monitor group serves its clients through a range of professional services. The firm has 1,500 employees in over 20 countries and offers a portfolio of services to clients who seek to stay competitive in their markets. Monitor group develops and delivers specialized capabilities in areas including corporate strategy, scenario planning, national and regional economic competitiveness, marketing and pricing strategy, organizational design, and capacity building. For more information, please visit
www.monitor.com.
Navistar defense leverages over 100 years of commercial truck engineering and manufacturing expertise to serve the u.s. Military and its allies with a wide range of military vehicles, engines, and fleet support options. The company’s military supply network and nine different manufacturing plants uniquely position the company to provide in-theater fleet support to armed forces whenever and wherever needed. For more information, please visit
www.navistardefense.com.
Northrop grumman mission systems arabia is northrop grumman’s information systems sector joint venture company in saudi arabia charged with administering ongoing contracts and pursuing new business opportunities for northrop grumman in the country. Northrop grumman mission systems arabia is a provider of advanced information solutions for defense, intelligence, and civil agencies as well as civilian customers. For more information, please visit
www.northropgrumman.com/international.
Parsons is an engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm founded in 1944. Parsons solves logistical challenges and delivers design/design-build, program/construction management, professional services, and innovative alternative delivery solutions to private industrial customers worldwide, as well as to federal, regional, and local government agencies. Parsons is a leader in many diversified markets including infrastructure, environmental, and defense. For more information, please visit
www.parsons.com.
Saic, a scientific, engineering, and technology company, uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems related to national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company has played a key role in helping u.s. Armed forces and intelligence agencies rapidly respond to emerging threats and prepare for future challenges. Saic’s work ranges from biometrics to cutting-edge sensing devices. For more information, please visit
www.saic.com.
Stanley black & decker, an s&p 500 company, is a diversified global provider of tools, electronic security solutions, and engineering fastening systems. The security division of the company provides solutions for consumers; retailers; and educational, financial, and healthcare institutions; as well as commercial, governmental, and industrial customers. For more information, please visit
www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.
Textron systems, inc. Has been providing innovative and timely solutions to the defense, homeland security, and aerospace communities for over 50 years. The company provides solutions for clients related to situational awareness, force protection, precision weapons, and defense services and support. Textron systems’ logistics and field service representatives are deployed around the world to provide operational and support services. For more information, please visit
www.textronsystems.com.
Turner strategic technologies, llc applies its extensive experience in military operations and training to providing customers and partners with operationally-proven hardware and services. The virginia-based company’s key areas of expertise include general contracting services and tactical defense solutions, and its employees are experts in program management, development, delivery, service, training, and support. For more information, please visit
www.tstvb.com.
Valkyrie enterprises, llc (valkyrie) specializes in naval systems and combat systems support, including aegis and ballistic missile defense. The company focuses on acquisition, readiness, modernization, and professional training. The core equities of valkyrie are systems engineering and integration, program management, test and evaluation, design engineering, military logistics, and marine assessment and surveying. For more information, please visit
www.valkyrieenterprises.com.
Vsd, llc is a leading source of innovative customized solutions to governments and corporations around the world. The company uses technology and creative thinking to provide timely and cost-effective solutions, and exists to provide value for its clients in its field of practice. Vsd performs manpower analysis, human performance analysis, workforce development, human systems integration, software development, process improvement, and integrated logistics. For more information, please visit
www.vsdonline.com.
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