The Royal Saudi Navy recently celebrated a momentous occasion as it marked a significant milestone in the construction of its third ship under the prestigious “Project Tuwaiq.” The vessel, officially named “HMS King Abdullah,” had its keel laid during a commemorative ceremony held in Marinette, Wisconsin, USA.
Rear Admiral Majid bin Hazzaa Al-Qahtani, the esteemed commander of the Royal Saudi Navy’s Eastern Fleet, had the honor of laying the keel for this cutting-edge warship.
The keel-laying process is revered as one of the primary steps in ship construction, closely following American traditions. As the longest structural element of the vessel, it symbolizes the commencement of the shipbuilding journey.
Only last year, in October, the Royal Saudi Navy proudly launched the keel for the second ship within the ambit of “Project Tuwaiq,” a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering and modernizing the capabilities of the Royal Saudi Navy. The project encompasses the construction of four multi-mission combat ships, poised to emerge as pivotal assets in naval warfare.
The four vessels, including “HMS King Abdullah,” boast state-of-the-art advanced combat systems, empowering them to engage with unparalleled precision against aerial, surface, and subsurface targets.
Undoubtedly, these formidable ships will elevate the combat readiness of the Royal Saudi Navy, fortify maritime security in the region, and zealously safeguard the kingdom’s strategic and vital interests.
“Project Tuwaiq” doesn’t merely end with ship construction; it embodies comprehensive training and qualification programs for the ship crews. Additionally, the project facilitates cutting-edge training simulations, logistical and technical support, and a seamless supply chain. It’s a collaborative effort that aims to transfer and localize essential technical and technological capabilities.
This commitment to localization aligns with the Crown Prince’s visionary announcement, as the project endeavors to realize 50% localization of total military spending by 2030. It marks a forward-looking stride in empowering the nation’s defense capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the domain of defense and security.
The Royal Saudi Navy’s endeavor in “Project Tuwaiq” epitomizes its steadfast commitment to advancing and securing its maritime prowess, ensuring stability in the region, and reinforcing global peacekeeping efforts. As the keel is laid for “HMS King Abdullah,” the future of the Royal Saudi Navy shines brighter than ever before.
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