Saudi Arabia launches King Neom, the second vessel of the Sarawat Project's second phase, in Spain. The ship's systems will be installed, integrated, and tested in the Kingdom to strengthen naval capabilities and localize military industries.

San Fernando | October 26, 2026

BETH News Agency

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces launched His Majesty's Ship (HMS) King Neom on Sunday at Navantia's shipyard in San Fernando, Spain. The vessel is the second ship in the second phase of the Sarawat Project, and its launch follows the completion and assembly of its hull.

The ship's systems will be installed and integrated in Saudi Arabia, followed by acceptance tests on Saudi territory and in its waters, supporting technology transfer and the localization of military maritime industries.

An Eight-Ship Project

The Sarawat Project consists of two phases. The first comprises five warships already delivered to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, while the second includes three multi-mission Avante 2200-class corvettes, named Al Madinah, Neom, and AlUla.

With the launch of King Neom, the vessel becomes the seventh ship in the project's overall sequence and the second in its new phase. The total fleet will comprise eight vessels once both phases are completed.

The project's vessels feature advanced systems designed to counter aerial, surface, and underwater threats, enhancing the protection of the Kingdom's strategic interests and the security of vital maritime routes.

Localization of Technology

The second-phase contract includes comprehensive logistical support, crew training, and the qualification of more than 100 Saudi engineers, alongside the localization of combat systems integration and maintenance operations.

The Saudi-developed HAZM Naval Combat Management System, a product of the partnership between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Navantia, stands out as one of the project's most significant achievements.

The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) supports these efforts through an industrial participation agreement aimed at transferring knowledge and developing national capabilities.

Advanced Naval Capabilities

The launching ceremony was attended by Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces; Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al-Muqrin, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Spain; and several senior Saudi and Spanish officials.

Al-Ghuraibi emphasized that the support provided by Saudi Arabia's leadership has contributed to developing defense capabilities and improving operational readiness. He also praised the Saudi-Spanish partnership and the efforts of the engineers and technicians involved in the project.

The launch of King Neom marks further progress in developing Saudi Arabia's naval fleet, with a significant portion of ship outfitting and combat systems integration taking place within the Kingdom, combining stronger defense capabilities with the development of its national military industry.