The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia on 14 October announced the launch of the first locally built HSI32 high-speed interceptor boat for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
The craft (pictured) was manufactured by Zamil Offshore Services ‘according to the highest international specifications’, GAMI noted.
A total of 39 boats were ordered in 2018 under a $480 million agreement between Zamil and French shipbuilder CMN, which is building 21 with the remainder assembled in Saudi Arabia.
The HSI32 can reach a top speed of 45kt. According to Shephard Defence Insight, each craft has an overall length of 32.2m, beam of 7m and draft of 1.4m.
They are equipped with a 4.8m outboard RIB mounted on the stern ramp, a C2 system, one 20mm remote-controlled gun turret, an EO observation system, two 12.7mm side guns, a radio direction finder and a SATCOM for data link.
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HSI 32-High Speed Interceptors [Saudi Arabia]
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