Saudi firms seal MoU to propel local naval shipbuilding under Vision 2030
Rendering of HDF-3800SA frigates. (Image: Hyundai Heavy Industries)
SAMI and International Maritime Industries agree to collaborate on future Saudi shipbuilding opportunities.
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) revealed on 17 March that it has signed an MoU with Saudi shipyard International Maritime Industries (IMI) ‘to explore collaborations in the provision of defense vessels and services to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces [RSNF] and other navies in the [Middle East] region’.
In line with broader economic modernisation objectives of the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 programme, the MoU aims to localise the construction of naval vessels, sensors, combat management systems, weapon systems and mission software for the Saudi MoD and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
As a preliminary step, IMI and SAMI will engage in discussions on how best to position a future localised offering to the Saudi Armed Forces and Security Forces.
Abdullah Al Ahmari, president and CEO of IMI, noted that the MoU will ‘enhance our offerings in a range of areas within the defence sector, reflecting our focus on developing strategic partnerships that will help expand our business capabilities’.
The latest MoU follows agreements between Spanish shipbuilder Navantia and two Saudi entities, announced during the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh on 6-9 March.
Ongoing RSNF modernisation efforts include the four-vessel Multi-Mission Surface Combatant programme and the Avante 2200 programme for five Al Jubail-class corvettes (with the first-in-class vessel to be delivered by the end of this year).
Shephard Defence Insight also notes that the RSNF needs to replace its pair of Durance-class (Boraida-class) replenishment vessels in the near future and there is also a requirement for new minehunters.
In terms of higher-end platforms, the three French-built Al Riyadh-class frigates must be replaced during the 2030s; IMI teamed up with Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea to unveil their joint HDF-3800SA frigate design during WDS.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
![Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept]()
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.
