Patton and alfanar Partner to Accelerate the Secure Digital Transformation of Saudi Power Infrastructure

	Burton Patton with Chadi Iskandar and alfanar executives “This cooperation agreement brings together complementary capabilities that are essential to the future of intelligent energy systems." Chadi Iskandar Vice President electronic Design & Automation Systems (eDAS) alfanar

Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA and Paris, France:  Patton LLC—a US-based developer and manufacturer of industrial networking, connectivity, communications, and cybersecurity technologies—today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with alfanar—a leading multi-national provider of energy, infrastructure, engineering, and digital solutions.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration focused on the modernization of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) networks that support electrical substations, smart-grid infrastructure, and critical energy operations throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through this partnership, Patton will support alfanar’ s digital transformation initiatives by providing advanced industrial networking, connectivity, cybersecurity, and communications technologies designed to enable secure, resilient, and intelligent power systems.

Under the agreement, Patton will assist with delivering Operational Technology and digital infrastructure solutions through alfanar Digital Solutions (ADS) and alfanar eDAS (Electronic Design & Automation Systems)–supporting projects that involve industrial automation, smart-grid modernization, digital substations, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. The collaboration will involve integrating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architectures aligned with Industry 4.0 standards, secure OT networking, grid cybersecurity, end-to-end network segmentation, SCADA policy enforcement, and resilient substation automation systems.

As part of the cooperation agreement, alfanar will leverage Patton's portfolio of industrial connectivity, legacy-system integration, OT networking, and cybersecurity technologies to support smart-grid and digital substation projects throughout the Kingdom.

Key technologies include Patton's ConnectIT® CIT-SFP: a compact serial-to-IP networking platform that enables legacy RTUs, SCADA systems, protection relays, Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), and other serial-based operational technology assets to integrate seamlessly with modern Ethernet/IP network infrastructures. Supporting RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 interfaces, the CIT-SFP provides the ability to transport, control, access, and monitor asynchronous serial terminals and devices across Ethernet, IP, and LAN networks. 

By extending connectivity to mission-critical field equipment without requiring replacement of installed assets, the CIT-SFP helps utilities modernize communications networks while preserving existing infrastructure investments.

alfanar will promote Patton's CopperLink™ CL-SFP, which extends Ethernet connectivity over existing copper infrastructure commonly found in substations, utilities, and industrial environments. By leveraging installed cable plant, the CL-SFP enables cost-effective network expansion while accelerating the deployment of modern IP-based communications.

alfanar also intends to leverage Patton's FiberPlex™ SFX™ Data Diode SFP modules, hardware-enforced, unidirectional cybersecurity solutions that enable secure data transfer from critical operational systems to monitoring and analytical platforms while preventing unauthorized inbound network access. The SFX supports enhanced cyber resilience for critical infrastructure where network isolation and operational security are paramount.

These technologies provide a few examples that show how Patton supports modernization of utility communications networks, improved operational visibility, enhanced cybersecurity, and reliable operation of next-generation power transmission and distribution systems.

In addition to Patton's standard product portfolio, the agreement enables alfanar to engage Patton's Special Projects Group, Contract Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing services for customized technology initiatives that support the Kingdom's evolving electrical infrastructure requirements. Patton's vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing operations provide turnkey capabilities spanning system architecture, hardware and software development, prototyping, production, testing, and lifecycle support.

"Saudi Arabia continues to make significant investments in modernizing its energy infrastructure and advancing its Vision 2030 objectives," said Burton Patton, Chief Revenue Officer of Patton LLC. "We are proud to cooperate with alfanar and contribute Patton's products, IP competency, and engineering capabilities to support secure digital transformation across power generation, transmission, distribution, and emerging energy sectors. Together we can deliver resilient, intelligent, and future-ready solutions for the Kingdom by combining alfanar’ s leadership in energy infrastructure with Patton's expertise in critical infrastructure networking, communications, and technology development.”

"This cooperation agreement brings together complementary capabilities that are essential to the future of intelligent energy systems," said Chadi Iskandar, Vice President, electronic Design & Automation Systems (eDAS), alfanar. "Patton's innovative technologies for industrial connectivity, legacy system integration, OT cybersecurity, and secure data exchange align closely with our mission to deliver world-class digital solutions for utilities and critical infrastructure operators. Together, we will help customers accelerate deployment of smart-grid, automation, Industrial IoT, and digital substation architectures while maintaining the highest standards of security, reliability, and operational performance."

This announcement comes at a time of increased cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the signing of the US-Saudi 123 Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation. While independent of those initiatives and unrelated to nuclear technologies, the Patton-Alfanar agreement reflects the broader strength of US-Saudi commercial relationships and a shared commitment to advancing technology, infrastructure modernization, and industrial innovation.

Together, Patton and alfanar will pursue opportunities to support next-generation utility infrastructure, intelligent substations, secure OT networking, critical communications systems, energy-sector cybersecurity, and smart transmission and distribution initiatives that strengthen the Kingdom's energy ecosystem and support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.


About Patton

Patton LLC is a US-based designer, manufacturer, and integrator of industrial networking, communications, connectivity, and cybersecurity technologies. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Patton serves telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, utility, defense, and government markets worldwide. Through its broad portfolio of networking products and specialized engineering and manufacturing services, Patton delivers innovative solutions that connect, secure, and modernize critical infrastructure.  Let’s Connect!


About alfanar

Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alfanar is a global energy company specializing in the manufacturing, engineering, and project development and delivery of integrated solutions. Its capabilities span low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical products, conventional and renewable energy projects, and the delivery of solutions and technical services for oil and gas, water treatment, infrastructure, and datacenters. Through alfanar Digital Solutions (ADS) and eDAS, the company delivers advanced smart-grid, SCADA, automation, systems integration, Industrial IoT, and cybersecurity solutions that help utilities and enterprises accelerate digital transformation and operational excellence.

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Media Contact: Glendon Flowers | +1 301 975 1000 | [email protected]