Turkish Shipbuilder to Launch ARES Naval in Saudi Arabia With Two Shipyards, CEO Says
New venture aims to build patrol boats and naval vessels for regional markets Turkey expands defense footprint in the Gulf with major shipyard investment Project to create jobs and transfer naval technology to Saudi workforce Two facilities planned for steel and composite vessel production Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify arms suppliers through Turkish partnership Company targets Middle East and African export markets Geopolitical thaw boosts industrial cooperation ARES Naval to strengthen Kingdom’s maritime security capabilities
Start writing...A leading Turkish defense shipbuilder is preparing to expand its footprint in the Middle East by launching a new company, ARES Naval, in Saudi Arabia, with plans to construct and operate two shipyards in the Kingdom. The move reflects growing defense and industrial cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia and highlights Riyadh’s push to localize military manufacturing under its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
In an exclusive interview, the chief executive officer of ARES Shipyard confirmed that the new venture will focus on naval and security vessels, including patrol boats, fast attack craft, and potentially larger surface combatants for regional and international customers.
“Saudi Arabia has become a strategic hub for defense manufacturing in the region,” the CEO said. “ARES Naval will not only support the Kingdom’s naval needs but will also serve as an export-oriented production base for the wider Middle East and Africa.”
Strategic Expansion Into the Gulf
ARES Shipyard, based in Antalya, has built a reputation for producing high-speed patrol boats and advanced naval platforms for several countries, including Qatar and the Turkish Coast Guard. Establishing operations in Saudi Arabia marks the company’s most ambitious overseas expansion to date.
According to the CEO, ARES Naval will operate two separate shipyards—one focused on steel-hulled vessels and the other dedicated to composite and aluminum ships. This dual-site model is intended to provide flexibility in production and reduce reliance on imports of finished vessels.
Saudi officials have encouraged foreign defense companies to invest locally as part of a broader effort to build a domestic military-industrial base. The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) group and the Ministry of Investment have been offering incentives, including tax benefits and infrastructure support, to attract international partners.
Vision 2030 and Localization Goals
Saudi Arabia aims to localize at least 50 percent of its military spending by 2030, compared to less than 10 percent a decade ago. Naval assets are a key priority, given the Kingdom’s long coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf and its role in protecting shipping routes and energy infrastructure.
ARES Naval is expected to contribute to these goals by transferring technology and training Saudi engineers and technicians. The CEO said the company plans to recruit and train a predominantly Saudi workforce over the next five years.
“This is not just about building ships,” he said. “It is about building skills, knowledge, and a sustainable industrial ecosystem.”
The company will initially focus on patrol boats and offshore support vessels but has not ruled out expanding into corvettes or larger frigate-like platforms in the future, depending on market demand.
Geopolitical Implications
The launch of ARES Naval comes amid improving relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia after years of diplomatic tension. Defense cooperation has become one of the most visible signs of rapprochement, with Turkish drones and armored vehicles already finding buyers in the Kingdom.
Analysts say the partnership reflects Saudi Arabia’s desire to diversify its defense suppliers beyond traditional Western partners while leveraging Turkey’s growing defense industry expertise.
“Turkey offers competitive pricing, proven platforms, and fewer political restrictions compared to some Western suppliers,” said a regional security analyst based in Abu Dhabi. “For Saudi Arabia, this is a way to strengthen autonomy while maintaining strategic flexibility.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The two shipyards are expected to generate hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and thousands more once production is fully operational. Local subcontractors will be involved in steel fabrication, electronics integration, and maintenance services.
ARES Shipyard estimates that the first Saudi-built vessels could be delivered within three years of groundbreaking, assuming regulatory approvals proceed on schedule. The company is currently finalizing land acquisition and infrastructure plans with Saudi authorities.
Financial terms of the project have not been disclosed, but industry sources suggest the investment could reach several hundred million dollars over the next decade.
Challenges and Risks
Despite the optimism, the project faces several challenges. Shipbuilding requires a highly skilled workforce and reliable supply chains, both of which take time to develop. Competition from established European and Asian shipyards could also limit export potential.
There are also political and regulatory risks. Any escalation of regional tensions could complicate production schedules or export approvals. Human rights concerns associated with arms manufacturing in the region may also draw scrutiny from international organizations.
Nevertheless, the CEO remains confident.
“We have learned from previous international projects,” he said. “Our model is designed to be resilient and adaptable to changing conditions.”
Future Outlook
If successful, ARES Naval could become one of the largest Turkish defense investments abroad and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s emerging naval industry. The venture may also pave the way for further cooperation between Turkish and Saudi firms in aerospace and land systems.
Defense experts see the project as part of a broader shift toward regionalized military production, where countries seek to manufacture closer to home rather than rely entirely on imports.
“This is about strategic independence,” said the analyst. “Saudi Arabia wants to be a producer, not just a buyer.”
As construction plans move forward, all eyes will be on how quickly ARES Naval can turn ambition into reality. For Turkey’s defense sector, the Saudi venture represents both an opportunity and a test—one that could redefine its role in the global naval market.
About the Creator
Fiaz Ahmed
I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.
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