San fernando: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces today floated HMS AlMadinah, the first ship of the second phase of the Sarawat Program, at Navantia's shipyard in San Fernando, Spain.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the float-out follows completion of the hull's construction and assembly, marking the start of an advanced phase involving the installation and integration of systems, before proceeding to port acceptance testing and sea trials ahead of its official entry into naval service.
HMS AlMadinah is the first of three multi-mission Avante 2200-class corvettes, alongside HMS Neom and HMS AlUla. The Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Spain's Navantia in mid-December 2024 to acquire and supply these ships, building on the success of the program's first phase, which delivered five combat vessels to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
The float-out ceremony was attended by Royal Saudi Naval Forces Director of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Saleh Al-Khathami, representing Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Gharibi, and Navantia Chairman Ricardo Dominguez.
Al-Gharibi praised the unlimited support given to the armed forces, particularly the Naval Forces, by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. He noted that this support has contributed to the development of defense capabilities and operational readiness.
He affirmed that the project is proceeding according to schedule, including the completion of the second and third ships within the Kingdom, with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) playing a key role in developing the Hazm naval Combat Management System and integrating it with weapons systems, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 targets.