Displayed prominently at the World Defense Show in Riyadh in 2024 were the armored vehicles from NIMR, a subsidiary of the Emirati defense powerhouse EDGE Group. Among the showcased vehicles was the second-generation JAIS armored vehicle, known as the JAIS Mark 2 or Mk2, which marked its debut at this international event. In a significant move, NIMR has entered an agreement to collaborate with Saudi Arabia’s SAMI defense company on the production of some of these vehicles.
“We are pleased to see our collaboration with NIMR moving forward as per the schedule,” stated Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). “We’re showcasing a NIMR vehicle at our booth, which illustrates our integration of systems into the vehicle. The project is advancing as anticipated,” he elaborated.
In 2021, NIMR and SAMI initially joined forces aiming to co-produce the armored vehicle. However, in the following year, the two firms adjusted their strategy, with NIMR opting to license the production to SAMI for local manufacturing, as revealed by NIMR CEO Abri du Plessis.
“Our current focus is on the active licensing agreement with SAMI, and we are working together to market the product. The subsequent stage involves transferring technology and production, leading to SAMI’s eventual independence in manufacturing the vehicle,” explained du Plessis.
He detailed the transition process, where initially NIMR would send fully assembled units from the UAE to SAMI, proceeding to supply materials for SAMI to build more vehicles independently, aiming for total local production.
Furthermore, du Plessis mentioned that while the intellectual property (IP) for the vehicle would be localized to SAMI, it would also be retained in the UAE.
The JAIS Mk2 has already secured its first international contract, although the customer’s identity was not disclosed by du Plessis. He confirmed, “The development that commenced three years ago is now finalized, and the vehicle is presently in production, rolling off the assembly line in Abu Dhabi.”
Abukhaled had previously emphasized SAMI’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities within the Kingdom, including a substantial investment in a land systems center of excellence designed to accommodate any vehicle production.
According to du Plessis, SAMI is on the verge of initiating construction on a factory specifically for vehicle production, with the JAIS expected to be integral to this development. He predicts that production within the Kingdom could start within the next 18 months.
Additionally, du Plessis implied that the JAIS Mk2 would eventually be produced fully in Saudi Arabia and hinted at potential future projects. “We’re exploring further collaborative opportunities with SAMI, including the local marketing of AJBAN armored internal security vehicles, which could present significant future potential due to their market niche,” he concluded.