Vector and SR2 Defense Systems sign an MoU to localize attritable defense system manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, supported by REDSALT DEFENSE, advancing regional defense capability, U.S.-Saudi collaboration, and strategic Gulf security initiatives.
Bluffdale, Utah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — March 16, 2026
Vector, a Bluffdale, Utah-based defense technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia’s SR2 Defense Systems to explore localized manufacturing, assembly, and sustainment of Vector’s attritable defense systems in the Kingdom. The agreement positions Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for advanced defense production while enabling faster deployment of cost-effective U.S. systems across the Gulf.
Vector’s systems, such as the recently unveiled Hammer F1 foldable quadcopter, provide a concrete example of the technology that could be manufactured locally. Designed for frontline operators, the Hammer F1, an attritable system designed to be affordable and expendable, integrates modular camera packages, native Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) support, and precision strike capabilities in a compact, portable platform. Capable of speeds up to 97 mph and operational ranges of 25 kilometers, it allows units to combine reconnaissance and kinetic functions in a single attritable system—offering both tactical flexibility and cost-effective coverage against low-cost drone threats.
“Warfighters didn’t just inform this system; they built it with us,” said Andy Yakulis, CEO and Co-Founder of Vector. “The Hammer F1’s modular design and rapid deployability are the types of capabilities we plan to scale in Saudi Arabia, directly supporting allied readiness and regional deterrence.”
The partnership responds to escalating regional tensions, including recent attacks targeting American and allied facilities. By localizing production, the MoU aims to enhance operational readiness, reduce dependence on global supply chains, and advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving 50% defense production localization by 2030.
The MoU, signed at the 2026 World Defense Show in Riyadh by Yakulis and Idris Al-Zakari, CEO of Science Technology for Investment and Industrial Development, SR2 Defense Systems, sets a framework for collaboration across technical, industrial, regulatory, and commercial domains. Localized manufacturing will enable faster deployment of attritable systems like the Hammer F1 while supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s industrial base.
“SR2 is committed to expanding Saudi Arabia’s defense industrial capabilities,” said Al-Zakari. “Vector brings best-in-class U.S. technology that strengthens both local capabilities and allied security in critical times.”
The World Defense Show (WDS) is one of the world’s premier defense exhibitions, held biennially in Riyadh under the patronage of the Saudi monarchy. Its third edition was held from 8–12 February 2026, bringing together global defense companies, military officials, and government delegations to showcase innovations across land, air, sea, space, and security domains.
In its 2024 edition, WDS hosted 773 exhibitors, welcomed 441 official delegations from 116 countries, and attracted over 106,000 trade visitors, facilitating deals worth 26 billion Saudi Riyals. The show underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in global defense and provides a high-profile platform for partnerships, technology demonstrations, and industrial collaboration.
It was at this venue that Vector and SR2 Defense Systems brokered the MoU to explore local manufacturing of attritable defense systems, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing importance as a regional hub for advanced defense production. At the same event, Vector entered into a partnership with REDSALT DEFENSE to strengthen Vector’s regional footprint by guiding system integration, long-term capability development, and operational deployment across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Lucien Zeigler, co-founder of SR2 Defense Systems and CEO of REDSALT DEFENSE, brings extensive experience in establishing U.S.-Saudi defense collaborations. In November 2025, he co-launched SR2 with Idris Al-Zakari, as Saudi Arabia's first private-sector joint venture dedicated to localizing advanced U.S. defense technology, supporting Vision 2030, and building a future-ready national defense workforce.
Key Takeaways:
By integrating battlefield-tested platforms like the Hammer F1 with local production, the Vector-SR2 partnership signals a strategic shift in U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation, blending technology, industrial capacity, and tactical readiness in one coordinated effort.
Learn more at tfvector.com.
