The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) on Friday launched the second phase of the Sarawat Program by floating its first ship, HMS AlMadinah, at Navantia’s shipyard in San Fernando, Spain.
The ceremony saw the attendance of RSNF Director of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Saleh Al-Khathami, on behalf of Chief of Staff of the RSNF Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Gharibi, and Navantia Chairman Ricardo Dominguez.
Advanced Capabilities
In a statement, the Saudi Defense Ministry said that the float-out milestone followed the completion of the hull’s construction and assembly, heralding an advanced stage involving systems installation and integration, followed by Harbour Acceptance Trials (HAT) and Sea Trials, ahead of its official entry into service with the RSNF.
HMS AlMadinah is the first of three Avante 2200-class multi-mission combat corvettes, alongside HMS Neom and HMS AlUla.
In mid-December 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Spain’s Navantia to acquire and supply these vessels, building on the success of the first phase of the Sarawat Program, which concluded with the construction and delivery of five combat ships to the RSNF.
The second phase of the Program includes three corvettes, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2029. The second and third will be completed in Saudi Arabia, specifically covering the installation, integration, and testing of the combat systems, mirroring the process used for the fourth and fifth units of the previous contract, according to Naval News.
The contract also features an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package and comprehensive crew training, alongside an operational evaluation period by the Spanish Navy at Rota Naval Base, where Navantia will provide support services.
Sarawat Program: Boosting Maritime Readiness
During the float-out ceremony, Lt. Gen. Al-Gharibi expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s unlimited support for the Armed Forces, and the Naval Forces in particular, stressing that this support has been pivotal in developing defense capabilities, boosting operational readiness and enhancing efficiency.
Furthermore, he noted that the Program is progressing according to the approved timeline, under the supervision and oversight of a specialized team of RSNF personnel, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and readiness, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
He reiterated that the Program includes a comprehensive integrated logistics support package, as well as the qualification and training of ship crews, alongside the completion of work on the second and third vessels inside the Kingdom.
The Sarawat Program aims to transfer and localize the shipbuilding and military naval technology industries in Saudi Arabia by training Saudi technical talent and involving them in construction work.
«سفينة جلالة الملك المدينة».. أولى سفن المرحلة الثانية من «مشروع السروات»، بمنظومات وتقنيات قتالية متقدمة تعزّز قدرات القوات البحرية وتصون أمن واستقرار المملكة.#وزارة_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/UVsZ2ZNFl6
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) June 19, 2026
Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) plays a pivotal role in developing the “HAZEM” naval combat management system and integrating it with weapon systems, thereby enhancing local capabilities and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Equipped with advanced combat systems and technologies, the Program’s vessels will bolster the RSNF’s capabilities to counter various aerial, surface, and sub-surface threats, while also monitoring the maritime domain and protecting the Kingdom’s vital interests and strategic assets.
