RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) on Friday floated HMS AlMadinah, the first vessel of the second phase of the Sarawat Program, at Spanish shipbuilder Navantia’s shipyard in San Fernando, Spain, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s naval modernization efforts.
The float-out follows the completion of the ship’s hull construction and assembly and signals the beginning of the next stage of development, which includes the installation and integration of onboard systems before the vessel undergoes port acceptance testing and sea trials ahead of entering operational service.
HMS AlMadinah is the first of three multi-mission Avante 2200-class corvettes being acquired under the program. The other two vessels, HMS Neom and HMS AlUla, are also under construction.
The Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Spain’s Navantia in December 2024 for the acquisition and supply of the three corvettes, building on the success of the first phase of the Sarawat Program, which delivered five combat vessels to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
The float-out ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Saleh Al-Khathami, RSNF Director of Naval Staff, representing Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Gharibi, and Navantia Chairman Ricardo Dominguez.
