African defense tech firm Terra Industries has inked a deal with Saudi industrial powerhouse AIC Steel to establish a joint manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, focusing on producing advanced security systems for critical infrastructure amid rising global threats to energy and industrial assets.
The partnership, announced on February 10, 2026, from Abuja, Nigeria, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, positions Terra Industries, known for autonomous security solutions in Africa. to expand into the Middle East, leveraging AIC Steel’s expertise in structural steel and infrastructure projects. Terra Industries, based in Abuja, develops multi-domain systems for sectors like energy, mineral resources, urban infrastructure, and border security, aiming to become Africa’s “defense prime.” AIC Steel, the Middle East’s largest structural steel company, has built major projects including refineries, airports, and power plants, and has partnered with global defense firms like Lockheed Martin.
The new hub will manufacture autonomous aerial surveillance platforms, sensor systems, and supporting AI-powered software designed for harsh environments, such as deserts and industrial sites, to protect energy assets, transportation networks, and other critical infrastructure. This includes perimeter protection, asset monitoring, and threat detection, tailored for non-battlefield applications in the face of insecurity, resource theft, and attacks causing economic losses, challenges shared between Africa and parts of the Middle East. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to localize advanced industrial and defense capabilities.
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“Our partnership with AIC Steel, the largest structural steel company in the Middle East, allows us to establish an early and important presence in the region. It positions us for long-term growth as we continue focusing on infrastructure security in Africa and expand where demand is increasing globally,” said Nathan Nwachuku, co-founder and CEO of Terra Industries.
No specific details were provided on investments, timelines, or job creation for the facility.
This marks Terra Industries’ first major manufacturing expansion outside Africa, highlighting a strategic pivot to the Gulf region where similar security pressures exist. For AIC Steel, it extends its role from building infrastructure to securing it.
As global demand for infrastructure security surges amid geopolitical tensions, this Saudi hub could accelerate Terra’s international footprint, but success will hinge on navigating regional regulations and scaling production in a competitive defense tech landscape.
