Navantia launches 2nd Avante-2200 class corvette for the Royal Saudi Navy

Navantia
Photo Courtesy: NAVANTIA

Spanish shipbuilder Navantia launched the first Avante 2200 class corvette for the Royal Saudi Navy in San Fernando facilities on 14th November, Navantia announced.

The launching ceremony took place, at both the ceremony site in the Naval Forces Headquarters and Navantia shipyard, in San Fernando, Cadiz, Spain, and were covered by a live direct transmission.

The official Saudi Press Agency said that the new ship, which is called “AL-DIRIYAH”, is equipped with the latest combat systems to deal with air, surface and subsurface threats, as well as with electronic warfare.

AL-DIRIYAH is the second of five corvettes which has been constructed within the project of Sarawat of Saudi Arabia.

The AL-DIRIYAH has a length of 104 metres, a beam of 14 metres and will be able to accommodate 102 people (crew and additional personnel). It will reach a maximum speed of 27 knots and, among other aspects, it has the capacity to carry 21 days’ supplies on board.

The corvettes incorporate the CATIZ Combat System, DORNA Gun Fire Control System, NAVCOMS/HERMESYS Integrated External and Internal Communications System, MINERVA Integrated Navigation and Bridge System, or COMPLEX-SIMPLEX Integrated Platform Management Platform together with equipment manufactured by Navantia under license such as the Leonardo SUPER RAPID 76mm main gun, Rheinmetall Air Defence MILLENNIUM 35mm close-in weapon system, MTU propulsion engines and diesel generators, and RENK gearboxes.

The program, whose last ship should be delivered in 2024, includes, in addition to construction, Life Cycle Support for five years, from the delivery of the first ship, with the option of another five additional years.