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| The New HMS Al-Diriyah Avante 2200 Warship of the Saudi Arabian Navy |
Riyadh - The Royal Saudi Navy has unveiled its newest fleet at a ceremony in San Fernando, Spain. Several high-ranking officials from both countries were present, the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced, Tuesday (26/7/2022).
The corvette HMS Al-Diriyah Avanti 2200 is the second ship, after HMS Jubail, to be launched in four months. The Sarawat manufacturing project with the Kingdom will produce three more ships to add to the fleet.
During the inauguration ceremony, RSNF Commander Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Ghufaili raised the Saudi flag at HMS Al-Diriyah. This marks his official entry into the service of the Saudi Arabian Navy. "The Sarawat project will ensure a combat-ready navy, capable of strengthening the country's maritime security, and protecting its vital strategic interests in the region," Al-Ghufaili said, as quoted by Arab News.
Al-Ghufaili said the project was an important part of the Kingdom's plan to develop the country's local military industry with the latest technology. He praised the government for supporting this initiative.
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. “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 an indication of the progress being made in developing such a sophisticated system locally, and nurturing local talent to achieve this feat,” he explained. 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.