Saudi Arabia signs contract with Navantia for additional Avante 2200 corvettes

The first corvette is set to begin construction this year, with the final vessel expected to be delivered by 2028. Navantia will oversee the production of the first ship in Spain, while the second and third corvettes will be completed in Saudi Arabia. This local work will involve the installation, integration, and trials of the Hazem Combat System by SAMINavantia, replicating the successful approach used for the fourth and fifth ships of the initial batch.

SAMINavantia, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia and Navantia, will deliver the complete combat systems for all three corvettes. As part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to localise its shipbuilding expertise, the contract includes an extensive training programme for over 100 Saudi engineers. It also incorporates the manufacturing of certain components for the third corvette within Saudi Arabia.

Another milestone in the agreement is the transfer of Intellectual Property Rights for the Avante 2200 design to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). This transfer will enable Saudi Arabia to independently use the design for future corvette projects and to explore potential export opportunities.

Navantia will also provide comprehensive logistical support, including crew training and operational preparation in collaboration with the Spanish Navy at Rota Naval Base. During this period, Navantia will offer specialised support to the Royal Saudi Naval Force.

The new corvettes will follow the design of Navantia’s Avante 2200 model, a versatile multipurpose vessel. This class of ship is specifically designed for missions such as patrolling and monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones, maritime traffic surveillance, and search and rescue operations. In addition, the corvettes boast significant defensive capabilities, including anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and electronic warfare systems, as well as strategic asset protection.