The Royal Saudi Naval Forces have launched HMS Neom, the second combat vessel under the second phase of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Sarawat Project, at the Navantia shipyard in San Fernando, Spain.
The vessel was launched on Sunday following the completion of its hull construction and assembly. The next stage will involve equipping, installing and integrating its systems in Saudi Arabia, followed by acceptance trials on land and in Saudi territorial waters.
The process is intended to support technology transfer and strengthen the localisation of the Kingdom’s naval defence industry.
The launch ceremony was attended by Royal Saudi Naval Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al-Muqrin, and senior Navantia executives, including the company’s chairman, Ricardo Dominguez.
Al-Gharibi praised the defence partnership between Saudi Arabia and Spain, highlighting its contribution to developing the Kingdom’s military capabilities. He also acknowledged the support of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in enhancing the armed forces’ preparedness, operational efficiency and overall capabilities.
He commended the engineers and technicians working on the project, noting that the Al-Sarawat programme would strengthen naval readiness while developing domestic expertise through logistical support, crew training and professional qualification.
The second phase of the Al-Sarawat Project covers three Avante 2200-class multi-mission combat vessels: HMS Al-Madinah, HMS Neom and HMS AlUla.
The initiative builds on the project’s first phase, under which five combat vessels were constructed and delivered to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
As part of the second phase, Saudi Arabia also plans to qualify more than 100 Saudi engineers and localise combat-system integration and maintenance activities.
A major component of the programme is the Hazm naval combat management system, described as the first of its kind developed in Saudi Arabia. The system was created through a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabian Military Industries and Navantia.
The General Authority for Military Industries has supported the initiative through an industrial participation agreement with Navantia. The agreement aims to transfer technology and expertise, develop local industrial capabilities and expand the Kingdom’s domestic defence manufacturing sector.
The vessels feature advanced systems designed to detect and counter threats in the air, on the surface and beneath the sea.
Their capabilities are expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s maritime defence readiness, protect strategic national interests and improve security along vital shipping routes.
The project also reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts to develop its domestic military industries, build technical expertise and reduce reliance on overseas defence suppliers through international partnerships.
