UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
First Saudi combat vessel build begins
Fincantieri Marinette Marine has commenced construction of the Royal Saudi Navy’s first Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ship.
Being delivered by Lockheed Martin as prime contractor, the four MMSCs were ordered in 2017 under a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement.
The FMS package request also included equipment to arm the vessels, including combat management systems with five TRS-4D radars. Also included were eight MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems and 532 tactical RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles.
Saudi Arabia also requested five AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon ship command launch control systems; eight Harpoon Shipboard Launchers; 48 RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles; five MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon Systems; 188 RIM 116C Block II Rolling Airframe Missiles; five MK-75 76mm OTO Melara gun systems; and 48 50-calibre machine guns.
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