Saudi Arabia signs an MOU with a Spanish company to build combat ships
In the presence and patronage of the Minister of Defense, HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain, Maria Reyes Maroto, the Ministry of Defense and the General Authority for Military Industries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Spanish company Navantia to acquire and build some multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Navy.
The memorandum was signed by the Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, and on behalf of the Authority, Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the Authority, and on behalf of the Spanish company, Navanita, Chairman and CEO of Navanita, Mr. Ricardo García Baguro.
The MoU aims to raise the level of readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. It likewise enhances maritime security in the region. It also protects the vital and strategic interests of the Kingdom. It also supports the strategic, operational, and tactical goals of the Ministry of Defense.
According to the agreement, the Spanish company will localize 100% of naval shipbuilding, integration of combat systems, and ship maintenance, following the Kingdom 2030 vision and goals.
The MOU focuses on integrating combat systems into existing ships. It also includes hardware design, software development, testing, verification systems, prototyping, simulation, and prototyping, as well as logistical support and training program design.
On this occasion, the Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled Al-Bayari, confirmed that this memorandum of understanding comes within the vision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, to create a base for advanced marine industries in the Kingdom.
HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman stated that the memorandum of understanding comes within the vision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman to empower and build the capabilities of the Ministry of Defense, and his keenness to localize military industries in a way that contributes to achieving the national goal of preserving the security of the country and the region.
