"While expanding SAMI’s MRO capabilities is important, the target is to establish joint training activities to develop Saudi talents and transfer skills in the sector," the Saudi firm's CEO said.
The lion's share of the total dollar figure is due to a $1.1 billion (4.1 billion AED) arrangement EDGE signed with the UAE Ministry of Defense for aircraft munitions.
A nearly $3 billion deal for 18 MQ-9B SkyGuardians was put on hold by the Biden administration, linked to concerns over the Gulf nation's embrace of Chinese wireless tech.
The US has made no secret it holds Iran responsible for the actions of its regional proxies, but experts told Breaking Defense Tehran's level of control can vary from group to group.
EDGE, a conglomerate of more than 25 subsidiaries, is looking to Brazil as entry into a “niche region that has the ambitions to build up their militaries but don’t face pressing military threats,” one analyst said.