Saudi Naval Forces Receive Fifth Corvette from Navantia
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) recently celebrated the commissioning ceremony of the fifth corvette, HMS UNAYZAH, marking another milestone in the Al-Sarawat project. Constructed at Navantia’s Bay of Cádiz shipyard, this delivery underscores the ongoing collaboration between Navantia and the RSNF in bolstering Saudi Arabia’s maritime capabilities.
Advanced Design and Performance
HMS UNAYZAH, based on the AVANTE 2200 design tailored to RSNF’s specifications, offers advanced performance, exceptional seafaring capabilities, and high survivability in extreme conditions. The corvette’s commissioning reflects the successful localization efforts undertaken by the Saudi Arabian Military Industry (SAMI) as part of the Al-Sarawat project, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to localize more than 50% of military expenditure by 2030.
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Technology Transfer and Localization
The localization of defense capabilities onboard HMS UNAYZAH highlights Navantia’s commitment to technology transfer and production localization in collaboration with SAMI. The vessel underwent final construction and systems integration works in Jeddah, showcasing Navantia’s expertise and SAMI’s integration capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Timely Delivery
With a length of 104 meters and seating for 102 personnel, including crew and troops, HMS UNAYZAH exemplifies Navantia’s dedication to quality and efficiency. The construction of five corvettes, valued at 1.8 billion Euros, was completed in a record time of three years, reflecting Navantia’s commitment to timely delivery and operational readiness.
Education and Training Support
Navantia’s collaboration with SAMI extends beyond construction to include education and training support for crew members, engineers, and maintainers. Around 700 personnel are undergoing comprehensive training at the Navantia Training Center in San Fernando, Spain, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime capabilities.
Long-Term Support and Services
As part of the contract, Navantia and SAMI established a joint venture, SAMI Navantia, to provide combat system integration and life cycle support for the corvettes. The contract includes life cycle support for five years, with an option for an additional five years, underscoring Navantia’s commitment to long-term partnership and support.
The delivery of HMS UNAYZAH signifies a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s maritime capabilities and underscores the successful collaboration between Navantia and SAMI. As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its naval forces, partnerships with global leaders like Navantia play a pivotal role in achieving strategic objectives and safeguarding maritime security.
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