Saudi Arabia Advances Naval Modernization Through Sarawat and Tuwaiq Projects
RIYADH, October 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia is expanding its naval capabilities through two programs combining new warships with domestic systems integration, crew training and upgrades to naval bases, as the Ministry of Defense develops a fleet to protect the Kingdom’s coastlines and maritime routes.
The Sarawat and Tuwaiq projects cover eight Avante 2200 corvettes and four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant vessels, respectively. Both include support infrastructure and technical training alongside the construction of ships.
The programs form part of efforts to equip the Royal Saudi Naval Forces to safeguard the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, protect strategic assets and contribute to maritime security.
Sarawat’s first phase covered five corvettes: HMS Al Jubail, HMS Al Diriyah, HMS Hail, HMS Jazan and HMS Unayzah. Its scope also included crew training using simulators and sea trials, land-based testing facilities and long-term support.
HMS Jazan became the project’s first vessel to complete full combat systems integration and acceptance trials in Saudi Arabia and its waters. Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz commissioned the ship at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah on December 4, 2023.
The project also produced HAZEM, the first Saudi-developed naval combat management system.
Sarawat’s second phase covers HMS Al Madinah, HMS NEOM and HMS AlUla, together with logistics support and specialized training for more than 100 Saudi engineers. It also provides for vessel assembly, systems integration and maintenance in the Kingdom.
The corvettes are equipped with systems designed to counter air, surface and underwater threats, alongside electronic warfare capabilities.
Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Spain’s Navantia are partners in the project, with technology transfer and domestic industrial development supported by an industrial participation agreement overseen by the General Authority for Military Industries.
Tuwaiq, developed through cooperation with the United States, covers four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant vessels: HMS King Saud, HMS King Fahd, HMS King Abdullah and HMS King Salman.
Its scope includes expanding King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail, establishing maintenance and simulation training centers, and providing technical and crew training. Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri are involved in the program, in coordination with the General Authority for Military Industries.
The two projects sit within the Ministry of Defense Development Program, approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on February 26, 2018, under the vision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The wider program addresses defense governance, spending efficiency, equipment modernization and the development of domestic military industries.
Source: SPA.
