Spanish shipbuilder Navantia marked the keel-laying of the seventh corvette it is constructing for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). The post Navantia lays keel for seventh Royal Saudi Naval Forces corvette appeared first on Naval Technology.
Navantia is contracted to deliver three ships based on its AVANTE 2200 multi-purpose corvette design to RSNF.
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia marked the keel-laying of the seventh corvette it is constructing for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) at the San Fernando shipyard in Spain.
Representatives from both Navantia and RSNF attended the event.
The new ship, HMS NEOM (Construction No. 576), is the second in a current series under construction, joining HMS Al-Madinah as both vessels prepare for launch in the coming months. It is also one of the three ships ordered by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence from Navantia in late 2024.
The final ship from this three-corvette contract is set for delivery in 2029.
Under current agreements, Navantia will deliver the first vessel from Spain while the second and third ships will be completed in Saudi Arabia, where installation, integration, and combat systems testing will take place.
The arrangement also includes an Integrated Logistic Support package, crew training, and an operational evaluation period by the Spanish Navy at Rota Naval Base, with Navantia supplying support services.
Under the Industrial Participation Agreement, Navantia will also train about 100 Saudi engineers.
The company estimates the contract will generate roughly four million work hours in Cádiz Bay, sustaining up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the project.
All three ships in this series are based on Navantia’s AVANTE 2200 multi-purpose corvette design, featuring capabilities for maritime surveillance, search and rescue and traffic control.
They can also be deployed in defence and intelligence missions, including anti-submarine, anti-air, anti-surface, and electronic warfare.
According to Navantia, the corvettes are equipped with the HAZEM combat system via SAMINavantia, HERMESYS communications, DORNA fire-control director, Integrated Platform Control System, and MINERVA integrated bridge.
Engines are provided under MTU licence, and generator sets and reduction gearboxes come under Schelde licence.
The Repairs Business Unit at San Fernando will provide further support during scheduled dry dockings.
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