JAKARTA - The Royal Saudi Navy (RSNF) is launching its newest fleet in San Fernando, Spain, the Kingdom's Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday.
Named HMS Al-Diriyah Avanti 2200, it is the second corvette in its class after HMS Jubail, which will be launched in four months. The Sarawat manufacturing project with the Kingdom will produce three more ships to add to the fleet.
On the occasion, RSNF Commander Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Ghufaili hoisted the Saudi Arabian flag on HMS Al-Diriyah, marking his official entry into naval service.
He said the Sarawat project would ensure a combat-ready navy, able to strengthen the country's maritime security and protect its vital strategic interests in the region.
Al-Ghufaili further said, the project is an important part of the Kingdom's plan to develop the local military industry with the latest technology. He praised the government for supporting this initiative.
Meanwhile, Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Military Industries, said the launch of HMS Al-Diriyah was a further boost for the country's national defense system.
He said the five RSNF ships that are part of the Sarawat project will be equipped with the Saudi navy's first combat management system called HAZEM. This is indicative of the progress being made in developing such a sophisticated system locally, and nurturing local talent to achieve this feat.
Abukhaled said the Kingdom's agreement with Spanish company Navantia would ensure the transfer of much-needed technology to boost the country's defense manufacturing sector.
The Sarawat project is a joint venture between SAMI and Navantia to build five Avanti 2200 Corvettes for the RSNF. This is part of the Kingdom's vision to localize 50 percent of the military industry by 2030.
The ships have the latest combat systems to deal with air, surface and underwater threats. The project includes training for the crew, and long-term technical and logistical support.
القوات البحرية الملكية السعودية «جلالة الملك الدرعية» انيا.#وزارة_الدفاع https://t.co/A5fejDQ6XA pic.twitter.com/98PphWpsXV
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