The UNAYZAH, which was launched in December 2021 at the San Fernando Shipyard in the Bay of Cádiz, underwent transportation to Jeddah aboard a specialized vessel for final construction and systems integration. This phase underscored the successful transfer of technology and local production capabilities between Navantia and the SAMINavantia joint venture, marking a milestone in naval engineering and international defence cooperation.
Key attendees at the ceremony included high-ranking officials from both Spain and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of this collaboration. Among them were the Admiral Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, Gonzalo Sanz, and the President of Navantia, Ricardo Domínguez, as well as representatives from SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and the joint venture SAMINavantia.
The corvette is part of the AVANTE 2200 Programme, featuring advanced design tailored to meet the RSNF’s operational requirements. With a length of 104 meters and a beam of 14, UNAYZAH has a capacity of 102 personnel, including crew and passengers. The contract, initiated in November 2018, led to the successive launch of five corvettes within an exceptionally short span, showcasing Navantia’s efficient project execution.
This project not only signifies a leap in naval capabilities for the RSNF but also represents a substantial economic and employment boost, generating approximately seven million work hours and sustaining around 6,000 jobs over five years. The collaboration further includes a comprehensive support package, encompassing integrated logistics, operational training, and lifecycle maintenance, cementing the strategic partnership between Navantia and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries.
Moreover, approximately 500 crew members are undergoing specialized training at the Navantia Training Center in San Fernando, ensuring the crew’s proficiency with the new vessels’ advanced systems.
