Kratos receives $46.2 million contract for Saudi Arabian defense services

Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Kratos Technology and Training Solutions has received a $46.2 million contract for training and technical services in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 defense development goals.

The work from the U.S.-based company will primarily be conducted in Saudi Arabia and Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be finished by August 2020. $15.4 million in foreign military sales funding have been obligated upon award of the contract.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a long-term development program concerning investment, government services reform and building domestic defense capabilities.

One of the goals is to localize 50 percent of defense spending in Saudi Arabia to reduce costs and dependence on foreign military equipment and boost the Saudi defense export sector.

Key focuses include research, manufacturing and independent support services for high-end defense items like aircraft and ground vehicles.

Saudi Arabia is currently the largest consumer of U.S. defense exports with over $110 billion in projected arms sales approved earlier this year. Their defense buildup and associated U.S. support is largely based off of Saudi concerns over Iran's expanding influence in the Middle East and Central Asia.