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Sarwat project warships equipped for electronic wars and surpass the capabilities of many navies in the world
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Commander of the Royal Saudi naval Forces Al-Ghufaili says Sarwat will enhance maritime security in the region
DUBAI: Jazan, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Avante 2200 corvette vessel, was unveiled by its Spanish builder at the shipyard of the Navantia Naval Industries Co. in Spain, local media reported.
Jazan is the fourth warship of its type within the forces’ Sarwat project that involves warships equipped with the latest combat systems to deal with all air, surface and subsurface threats.
Navantia is building five corvettes for the RSNF under the Avante 2200 program.
The warships under the project are being equipped for electronic wars and surpass the capabilities of many navies in the world, the report said. The project also includes training services for crews, training simulators, logistics, and long-term after-sales technical and logistical support.
The corvettes are being built under a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), and Navantia S.A., named SAMI Navantia Naval Industries, the report said.
Featuring special combat and fire control systems and integrated communications among other technologies, the corvettes will be delivered in 2024, a year later than initially planned.
Lt. Gen. Adm. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, commander of the RSNF, said the Sarawat project will contribute to raising the level of readiness of the RSNF, enhancing maritime security in the region and protecting the vital strategic interests of the kingdom.
The Avante 2200 Combatant corvette vessel is primarily used for surveillance and protection of exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
It is also suited for anti-surface warfare (ASuW), electronic warfare, maritime protection, intelligence gathering, search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid and marine pollution control, as well as combating smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration, according to Naval Technology magazine.
