Threod Systems, Estonia’s military technology developer and manufacturer, and First Shield, a defence- and security-focused engineering and technology firm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Defence Show (WDS) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The MoU confirms the parties’ intention to cooperate in the provision of high-technology unmanned aircraft system (UAS) solutions for both civilian and military applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as to co-develop advanced technology solutions supporting the Kingdom’s defence requirements.
“First Shield has become one of the Kingdom’s most recognised providers of services supporting defence forces in test and evaluation activities, contributing to the Kingdom’s objective of sourcing 50 per cent of its military supply chain domestically. We recognise that certain advanced technologies must currently be sourced internationally to achieve this goal, such as the Eos VTOL, an outstanding technology developed by Threod Systems.”
Colin Harper, Managing Director of First Shield
Under the agreement, the parties will explore opportunities to integrate Threod Systems’ Eos C VTOL UAS as a key component of a comprehensive surveillance system to be delivered by First Shield. In addition, the parties will examine options for supplying other Threod Systems products, including aircraft launcher systems, to military end users in Saudi Arabia, as well as opportunities for partial or full localisation of the manufacturing of Threod Systems’ products within the Kingdom.
Landmark MoU boosts Saudi Arabia’s defence goals
The Managing Director of First Shield, Colin Harper, stated that the MoU is one of the most important memorandums signed at this year’s World Defense Show.
“First Shield has become one of the Kingdom’s most recognised providers of services supporting defence forces in test and evaluation activities, contributing to the Kingdom’s objective of sourcing 50 per cent of its military supply chain domestically. We recognise that certain advanced technologies must currently be sourced internationally to achieve this goal, such as the Eos VTOL, an outstanding technology developed by Threod Systems,” Mr Harper added.
Threod Systems’ Chief Executive Officer, Arno Vaik, commented that cooperation with First Shield began several years ago and expressed his pride in reaching this milestone, through which the partnership will contribute to the Kingdom’s security and defence capabilities.
Threod Systems CEO: partnership with First Shield marks a promising path ahead
“Finding the right partners is always essential, and I am pleased to formalise our relationship through this agreement. I am confident that we have a highly promising shared path ahead,” Mr Vaik said prior to signing the memorandum.
“Finding the right partners is always essential, and I am pleased to formalise our relationship through this agreement. I am confident that we have a highly promising shared path ahead.”
Arno Vaik, CEO of Threod Systems
Threod Systems specialises in the development and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), electro-optical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition solutions, and launcher systems for target and strategic strike drones. First Shield operates as an engineering and technology firm primarily serving the defence and security sectors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Threod Systems
- In 2022, Threod Systems, primarily developing observation drones and equipment, earned a revenue of 6.9 million euros with a business profit of over 150,000 euros.
- In the previous year, 2023, sales reached 20.4 million euros, and profit was 4.5 million euros, according to the company’s annual report.
- In 2023, Threod Systems had nearly one hundred employees on its payroll, and today that number has risen to 140, with growth continuing.
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