TE24 Business Desk:
RIYADH – The Royal Saudi Navy launched its latest addition to the fleet in a ceremony in San Fernando, Spain, attended by senior officials from both countries, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
HMS Al-Diriyah Avanti 2200 corvette is the second ship in four months after HMS Jubail. The Kingdom’s Sarawat co-production project will build three more vessels to expand its fleet. the time
At the commissioning ceremony, RSNF Commander Lt Fahdarghferi raised the Saudi Arabian flag on HMS Aldilia, marking her formal induction into the Navy.
The Sarawat project said it would ensure that the navy was combat-ready, strengthen the country’s maritime security and protect vital strategic interests in the region.
Al-Gufaili said the project is an important part of the country’s plan to develop its local military industry with the latest technology. He appreciated the government for supporting these initiatives.
Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s military industry, said the launch of HMS Al-Diriyah is another boost for the defense system.
He said five RSNF ships as part of the Sarwat project will be equipped with the first Saudi naval combat management system called Hazem. This shows that progress has been made in developing such advanced systems and developing local talent in the field to achieve this feat.
Abukhaled said the Kingdom’s deal with Spanish company Navantia will ensure the long-awaited technology transfer to boost the country’s defense manufacturing sector.
The Sala Watt project is a joint venture between SAMI and Navantia to build five Avanti 2200 Corvettes for the RSNF. Localization of 50 percent of the arms industry by 2030 is part of the Kingdom’s vision.
The ship has a sophisticated combat system to deal with air, sea and underwater threats. The project includes crew training and long-term technical and logistical support.
