Navantia Begins Construction of Second Avante 2200-based Corvette for Saudi Arabia

Navantia’s San Fernando shipyard has begun construction of the second corvette for the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) under a new contract signed late last year for three additional ships.

The final vessel of the three-ship order is scheduled for delivery in 2028. Navantia will deliver the first corvette, while the second and third will be completed in Saudi Arabia, where their combat systems will be installed, integrated, and tested. This follows the model of the previous contract, which saw five corvettes delivered to the RSNF.

The contract includes integrated logistics support, crew training, and an operational evaluation period at Spain’s Rota Naval Base, where Navantia will provide support services. Additionally, 100 Saudi engineers will receive training under the program.

The new corvettes are based on the AVANTE 2200 model, designed for missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and assistance to other ships. They are also equipped for defense of strategic assets, intelligence operations, and anti-submarine, anti-air, anti-surface, and electronic warfare missions.

The vessels incorporate Navantia-developed systems, including the HAZEM combat system, the HERMESYS integrated communications system, the DORNA fire control system, and the MINERVA integrated bridge. Additional components include propulsion engines under MTU license and diesel generator sets under Schelde license. Navantia’s Shiprepairs unit will handle maintenance during scheduled dockings in San Fernando.