Terra Drone Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Aramco that may see the Japanese drone maker run test inspections of the oil giant's facilities in Saudi Arabia. The companies said the goal of the MOU is to enhance collaboration between Terra Drone and Aramco and advance drone technologies for improved safety and efficiency in the energy sector.
The announcement comes as the global drone inspection market continues to expand quickly across the energy sector, with oil and gas companies increasingly adopting unmanned aerial systems to reduce costs, improve worker safety, and enhance inspection data quality.
“Through Terra Drone Arabia, we aim to introduce cutting-edge drone technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and workforce development,” Terra Drone founder and CEO Toru Tokushige said in a press statement.
Terra Drone has been expanding its presence in the Middle East since 2023, conducting inspections and surveying, but not until now has it worked with Aramco. Because of Aramco's scale, the new partnership may mark a significant step in the region’s adoption of advanced drone technology for critical infrastructure maintenance.
Terra Drone received $14 million in equity funding in 2023 from Wa’ed Ventures, the Dhahran-based investment arm of Aramco, to help localize and deploy advanced drone technologies in the region. Following this, Terra Drone established its Saudi branch, Terra Drone Arabia, focusing on three objectives: localizing its services, developing research and development (R&D) and production facilities, and supporting job creation for skilled Saudis.
Aramco has been expanding the use of drones across its facilities since 2015. Drones have allowed the company to reduce maintenance costs and inspection times across facilities, while also helping monitor potential methane leaks.
Terra Drone said inspection operations are expected to begin in 2027. If awarded the final contract by Aramco, it would mark the company’s largest drone inspection project to date in the oil and gas sector.
