Saudi Arabia is advancing the modernisation of its naval forces through the Sarawat and Tuwaiq projects, two major defence initiatives designed to strengthen combat readiness, develop domestic military manufacturing and expand the technical capabilities of Saudi personnel.
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The programmes support the Ministry of Defense’s broader development strategy, which aims to equip the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with advanced combat systems, sustainable maintenance capabilities and a skilled national workforce. They also align with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its objectives of expanding local defence production and increasing domestic participation in military industries.
The Ministry of Defense Development Program was launched under the vision of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and approved by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on February 26, 2018. Its objectives include improving governance, optimising defence spending, modernising military equipment and strengthening joint operational capabilities.
For the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, these priorities are particularly relevant to protecting the Kingdom’s coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, safeguarding strategic maritime infrastructure and supporting security across important international shipping routes.
Sarawat Project strengthens combat capabilities
The Sarawat Project centres on the construction and delivery of eight Avante 2200 corvettes, supported by logistics, maintenance infrastructure and specialised training programmes.
Its first phase covered five vessels: HMS Al Jubail, HMS Al Diriyah, HMS Hail, HMS Jazan and HMS Unayzah. The programme also included crew preparation through simulators and sea trials, land-based testing facilities and long-term sustainment arrangements.
The second phase covers three additional vessels—HMS Al Madinah, HMS NEOM and HMS AlUla—alongside an integrated logistics package and specialised training for more than 100 Saudi engineers. It also supports the localisation of vessel assembly, systems integration and maintenance activities.
The corvettes are designed for multiple operational roles, with combat systems intended to address aerial, surface and underwater threats. Their electronic warfare capabilities also contribute to the protection of naval operations and strategically important sea lanes.
Domestic production and technology transfer
A central objective of Sarawat is to establish a stronger domestic industrial base for naval manufacturing and support. A milestone was reached on December 4, 2023, when HMS Jazan was commissioned at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
According to the programme details, the vessel was the first in the project to undergo full combat-system integration and acceptance trials in Saudi Arabia. The initiative also produced HAZEM, described as Saudi Arabia’s first domestically developed naval combat management system.
The project involves cooperation between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Spain’s Navantia under an industrial participation framework overseen by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). The partnership is intended to transfer technical knowledge, expand local manufacturing and strengthen national capabilities in naval systems development.
Tuwaiq expands fleet and infrastructure
The Tuwaiq Project complements Sarawat by focusing on additional surface combatants and supporting naval infrastructure. It includes four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant vessels: HMS King Saud, HMS King Fahd, HMS King Abdullah and HMS King Salman.
The programme also includes expansion of King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail, the establishment of advanced maintenance and simulation-training facilities, and technical instruction for Saudi personnel and naval crews.
Tuwaiq is being developed through defence cooperation with the United States, involving Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri in coordination with GAMI. Its industrial objectives include technology transfer, domestic naval construction, greater local content and the creation of specialised technical employment opportunities.
Supporting Vision 2030 defence goals
Together, Sarawat and Tuwaiq combine fleet modernisation with workforce development, infrastructure investment and domestic industrial participation. Their long-term contribution will depend on effective delivery, sustainment and the successful transfer of technical expertise to Saudi personnel and companies.
The projects form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to build a more self-reliant defence sector while maintaining international industrial partnerships. They are also intended to support the operational requirements of a naval force responsible for protecting the Kingdom’s maritime interests and critical coastal assets.
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