Saudi Ministry of Defense and GAMI sign a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish company Navantia to build combat ships for the RSNF

With the presence and patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, and Her Excellency Mrs. Reyes Maroto Illera, Minister of Industry of Spain, the Ministry of Defense and the General Authority for Military Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish company Navantia to acquire and build a number of multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Force.

RIYADH. The memorandum was signed by His Excellency the Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and from GAMI, Eng. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz AlOhali, Governor of the Authority, and from the side of the Spanish company, Navantia the CEO and Chairman Mr. Ricardo Domínguez García-Baquero.

The MoU aims to raise the level of readiness of the RSNF to enhance maritime security in the region, protect the vital and strategic interests of the Kingdom, and support the strategic, operational, and tactical goals of the MoD. In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the MoU aims to promote the localization of up to 100% in the field of naval shipbuilding, integration of combat systems and ship maintenance. It will also concentrate on the integration of combat systems into new ships, systems design and engineering, hardware design, software development, testing, verification systems, prototyping and simulation, logistical support, and training program design.