The five-ship "Sarawat Project" signed between Saudi Arabia and Spain's Navantia Shipyard is expanding to eight ships.
The contract for the Corvette Avante 2200 type ship in the "Sarawat Project" between the Saudi Ministry of Defence and the Spanish Ministry of Defence has been expanded. The Spanish Navantia shipyard will build three more ships for the Saudi Kingdom.
The three ships to be built under the contract, which also aims to develop cooperation in the fields of training, exchange of expertise and technical and logistical support for the Royal Saudi Navy (RSNF), are reported to have similar characteristics to the first five ships in terms of their ability to perform with all air, surface and underwater mission, which are customized to meet Saudi Arabia's defence needs in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
The Sarawat ships are based on the Avante 2200 design but modified to meet RSNF specifications, including upgraded radar, combat, and navigation equipment.
Combat Systems: The corvettes are outfitted with Navantia's CATIZ combat management system, which is combined with various armament systems, such as anti-air and anti-ship missiles, as well as torpedoes, to provide comprehensive defence capabilities.
Versatility and Endurance: With a range of almost 4,000 nautical miles, the corvettes are ideal for long-range operations, coastal defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance.
The project includes extensive training to prepare RSNF crews to operate and maintain the corvettes autonomously.
Navantia has set up support systems in Saudi Arabia to assist with logistical and technical requirements, assuring the boats' operational preparedness.
The first of five corvettes, Al-Jubail, was delivered in 2022, with the remaining corvettes slated to arrive in stages.
