I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people on the occasion of the 94th National Day. The Kingdom has made extraordinary strides, particularly over the past seven years, as it embarks on the transformative journey of Vision 2030. The progress achieved in such a short time is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to many around the world.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have enjoyed a long-standing partnership based on shared national interests, dating back to 1945 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt met with King Abdulaziz al-Saud aboard the USS Quincy. This relationship has only deepened over the decades, and at Lockheed Martin, we are proud to have been a partner of the Kingdom since 1965, when the first C-130 aircraft arrived in Saudi Arabia.
In the past, we delivered the world’s best defense and aerospace systems to the Kingdom. Today, however, we are doing much more—we are collaborating with the Kingdom’s defense industry to manufacture and repair state-of-the-art systems within the country. This commitment not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s security but also contributes to the localization efforts central to Vision 2030.
For the past six years, my family and I have had the privilege of living in Saudi Arabia. This has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the personal and professional relationships I have formed with so many wonderful Saudis. These connections have deepened my appreciation for the culture and the spirit of this great nation.
What excites me the most about the future of Saudi Arabia is the opportunity to work with the next generation of Saudi youth, especially those in high schools and universities. Their talent, enthusiasm, and determination never cease to amaze me. I witness this firsthand during our annual summer internship program, where young Saudis showcase their potential and passion.
This summer, our Saudi interns worked with Lockheed Martin’s Space experts to identify the ideal landing site for a lunar mission. Their work impressed not only our team but also several groups of Saudi officials they had the opportunity to brief. These students represent the bright future of the Kingdom, and I am proud to support their journey.
On behalf of Lockheed Martin, I wish the entire Kingdom a very happy National Day.
— Brigadier General (Retired) Joe Rank
Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Saudi Arabia & Africa
