Navantia has launched the seventh corvette being built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, bringing the vessel closer to systems integration, testing and sea trials ahead of its planned delivery. Named Neom, the ship is the second of three corvettes ordered under a follow-on contract signed in 2025.
The vessel was launched at Navantia’s San Fernando shipyard in Spain’s Bay of Cádiz, following the construction of the first five corvettes under the original programme. The three additional vessels are being built at the company’s San Fernando and Puerto Real facilities, with the final ship scheduled for delivery in 2029. Following its launch, Neom will undergo equipment installation, systems integration and sea trials before entering operational service. The wider agreement also includes crew training and integrated logistics support.
Saudi Arabia’s AVANTE 2200 Corvette Programme
The three additional corvettes are based on Navantia’s AVANTE 2200 design, which was also used for the first five vessels delivered under the Saudi naval programme. Designed for a range of maritime missions, the corvettes are intended to conduct maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and protect strategic assets.
Their combat capabilities cover anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare, alongside intelligence gathering and electronic warfare. This combination enables the vessels to perform routine maritime patrols while supporting broader naval operations against threats across air, surface and underwater environments.
Navantia is also supplying key onboard systems, including the HAZEM combat management system and HERMESYS integrated communications system. Additional equipment includes the DORNA fire-control system, MINERVA integrated bridge system and an integrated platform management system.
The launch of Neom represents another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s naval modernisation programme and Navantia’s continued role in supplying advanced surface combatants. Once completed, the additional corvettes are expected to expand the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ maritime surveillance and combat capabilities while benefiting from the existing AVANTE 2200 platform and associated support infrastructure.
