The BAE Systems Saudi Arabia university steering board is chaired by Abdullah Al-Kanhal, vice president of engineering.

“We need to continue to increase the engineering capability that exists within the home market of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“This can be achieved by continuing to work in partnership with universities and students who are also seeking to develop their links with industry, so we have similar needs,” he said.

“We want to work with these academic institutions to develop the capabilities of the future generation of Saudi engineers,” said the vice president.

"The formation of the steering board will help us as a company allocate appropriate Research and Development projects, which the various academic institutions will undertake on behalf of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia," he said.

“These projects will give students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and gain practical experience,” he added.

“They have the potential to be business leaders of the future, so it is imperative for BAE Systems Saudi Arabia — as well as for the country — that we work together to provide the best possible foundation for knowledge and experience,” said Al-Kanhal.

The creation of the steering board follows on from several agreements BAE Systems has recently made with engineering centers of excellence within the Kingdom.

The company has also recently agreed to sponsor 30 engineering students at King Saud University during their university education.

Al-Kanhal added: “For BAE Systems, engineering is the master key to unlocking our true potential and we need to ensure that we employ people with the right capabilities — now and in the future — to lead the company.”

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia is currently in partnership with Prince Sultan Advanced Technological Research Institute, the Royal Saudi Air Force as well as with local industry to establish the best areas for the initial research and development projects to focus on.

The research and development projects will also help BAE Systems Saudi Arabia become active partners in collaboration programs.