San Fernando:The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have launched His Majesty's Ship NEOM (HMS NEOM), marking the second ship in the second phase of the Sarawat Project. The launch took place at Navantia's shipyard in San Fernando, Spain, following the completion of the vessel's hull construction and assembly.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the outfitting, installation, and integration of the ship's systems will be carried out in Saudi Arabia. Following these processes, acceptance trials will be conducted on Saudi lands and in Saudi waters, which will aid in technology transfer and the localization of military shipbuilding.
The launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief of Staff of RSNF Vice Adm. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Alghuraiby, Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin, Navantia Chairman Ricardo Domínguez, and senior naval officers from both countries. Vice Adm. Alghuraiby highlighted the support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, in developing defense capabilities and enhancing operational readiness.
Vice Adm. Alghuraiby also praised the Saudi-Spanish partnership, emphasizing its role in advancing naval capabilities and acknowledging the efforts of the project's engineers and technicians. The Sarawat Project aims to strengthen naval readiness and develop national expertise through logistics support and crew qualification and training.
The second phase of the Sarawat Project involves three Avante 2200 multirole corvettes HMS AlMadinah, HMS NEOM, and HMS AlUla, building on the previous phase that delivered five warships to the RSNF. The project also includes the development of HAZEM, the first Saudi naval combat management system, through a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Navantia. This phase aims to localize combat systems integration and maintenance, train over 100 Saudi engineers, and enhance Saudi Arabia's military industries through knowledge and technology transfer.
