Pakistan Space Agency
Elite Member
What is Saudi Arabia's total combat surface fleet with the Saudi Navy?
Royal Saudi Arabia Armed forces
- Thread starter The SC
- Start date
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
Very smart if we can get onboard on another key strategic project which would enhance the local knowhow and our local defense firms and entire local defense environment, which is already booming as it is.
Red Sea mostly and Saudi Arabian naval bases in Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen and possibly Sudan and elsewhere.
I am still hoping for Al-Mahra and Hadhramaut to join KSA officially which would give us direct access to the Arabian Sea.
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
#The Naval Forces and their Omani counterparts conclude the joint bilateral naval exercise "Peace Winds 2026," with its maneuvers conducted in the Sultanate of Oman.
During the exercise, the two forces implemented maritime hypotheses and formations, naval aviation training, maritime counter-terrorism, search and rescue, electronic warfare, and countermeasures against fast boat attacks.
Pakistan Space Agency
Elite Member
Only 20 Frigates and Corvettes for such a large country with seas on its both sides?
That's mental.
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
Wrong.
3 Oct 2025
Shopping for Sea Power: Saudi Arabia’s Naval Transformation
Saudi Arabia is rapidly modernizing its navy while building a domestic shipbuilding industry. Driven by ageing vessels and shifting strategic pressures, Riyadh aims to combine advanced acquisitions with industrial capability, though challenges in logistics, workforce development, and long-term sustainability remain.Albert Vidal
Research Analyst, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Saudi Arabia’s recent naval modernization has been driven by two primary factors: an ageing navy and a shifting strategic landscape. In response, Riyadh has ramped up naval procurement and accelerated the development of domestic shipbuilding capabilities, although it continues to face challenges.
Triggers of Modernization
As of 2025, only five of the Kingdom’s sixteen major surface combatants were built after 2010. Eight date back to the early 80s—over four decades ago—and are believed to be in poor condition, as frigates and corvettes reach obsolescence after 35 to 40 years. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s two main supply ships and its nine Al-Siddiq-class patrol craft are also around 40 years old.At the same time, the Kingdom’s strategic environment is undergoing significant change. Iran continues to expand its regular navy (Nedaja) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), commissioning submarines, drone carriers, and hundreds of speed boats. Since 2019, Tehran’s harassment and seizure of merchant vessels around the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman have demonstrated its willingness to use coercive maritime tactics. Meanwhile, under Saudi’s Vision 2030, the country is shifting its economic centre of gravity toward the Red Sea, launching numerous mega-projects, tourist resorts, and ports and logistics hubs—all of which rely on a safe maritime domain. The ongoing Houthi threat further compounds these challenges.
Naval Acquisitions
The Saudi Naval Expansion Programme II (SNEP II) represents Riyadh’s response to these challenges. Table 1 shows the Kingdom’s naval acquisitions during the 2014-2024 decade, the most important of which are eight frigates from Spain’s Navantia (the first five delivered under the Al Sarawat Project) and four frigates from the US’ Lockheed Martin (Tuwaiq Project). While the 2018 purchase of five frigates from Navantia was considered a success, with all vessels delivered on schedule and at a reasonable cost, the larger modified Freedom-class frigates being built in the US are approximately 2.5 times more expensive per ship. Despite the deal being signed at around the same time as the Navantia contract, the first delivery is not expected until 2029.Other smaller acquisitions include 58 patrol boats for the navy and 79 for the maritime division of the Border Guard, as well as an undetermined number of patrol craft from Germany’s Lürssen. The navy also procured 10 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and is set to receive some of the Bayraktar Akinci UAVs, following Saudi Arabia’s 2023 contract with Türkiye’s Baykar.
| Order Date | Class | Type | Qty | Value | Supplier | Status |
| 2014 | Lürssen OPB 40, Plascoa FIC 1650 | Coastal Patrol Craft, Fast Patrol Boat | n.k, 79 | USD1.99bn | Naval Vessels Lürssen, Couach | Partially halted due to arms embargo |
| 2015 | MH-60R Seahawk | Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter | 10 | USD1.08bn | Lockheed Martin | Delivered |
| 2018 | HSI 32 | Fast Patrol Boat | 58 | n.k | CMN, Zamil Shipyards | Delivered |
| 2018 | Al-Jubail (Avante 2200) | Frigate | 5 | USD2.13bn | Navantia | Delivered |
| 2019 | MMSC (Freedom LCS mod) | Frigate | 4 | USD6.03bn | Lockheed Martin | Under construction |
| 2019 | Couach 22m | Patrol Boat | 12 | n.k | Couach | Delivered |
| 2023 | Bayraktar Akinci* | UAV | n.k. | ≥ USD3bn | Baykar | Signed |
| 2024 | Al-Jubail (Avante 2200) | Frigate | 3 | USD1.09 | Navantia | Signed |
Source: Military Balance+, author’s research.
*Not all the Bayraktar Akinci will enter service in the Saudi navy.
The Saudi navy has reportedly allocated at least USD4bn for further acquisitions over the next few years. These include requirements for five light frigates, two replenishment oilers, maritime patrol aircraft, and additional high-speed patrol craft for the Border Guard. The Kingdom is also exploring the acquisition of MQ-9 UAVs (drones) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs, also known as drone boats) for maritime surveillance, and potentially an amphibious assault ship—though this remains unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, Saudi naval personnel are receiving training from a range of international partners, including, among others, the Spanish Navy with support from Navantia, the Indian Navy (which trained 55 cadets in 2023 and 76 in 2024), the US Navy, and the FrenchMinistry for the Armed Forces.
While acquiring advanced vessels remains a key component of Saudi naval modernization, parallel efforts to cultivate a domestic shipbuilding industry are now gaining momentum.
Developing a Naval Shipbuilding Capability
Saudi Arabia is developing a domestic naval shipbuilding capability almost from scratch to strengthen its strategic autonomy and satisfy its industrial ambitions. Until recently, the only relevant entities in this sector were Zamil Shipyards and Middle East Maritime Repair (MEMR), an offshoot of German shipyard Lürssen. Zamil has the capacity to build and assemble patrol boats and interceptors but has remained primarily focused on commercial maritime activities. Meanwhile, MEMR specialized in providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to the Border Guard.Today, the ecosystem stands at an inflection point with the establishment of Sofon Naval—Saudi Arabia’s new naval shipbuilding champion—set to operate from a new planned shipyard soon to be built in Ras Al-Khair, in the Saudi Eastern Province. Sofon Naval will fall under Sofon Holding, a strategic sector champion tasked with fast-tracking the development of the shipbuilding industry. Although the commercial side of this ambitious initiative is advancing more rapidly than the naval component, Saudi Arabia ultimately hopes to produce most of its navy and coast guard vessels domestically. As of early 2025, Sofon Naval’s shipyard remains in the conceptual design stage. Once completed, it intends to accommodate vessels up to the size of a destroyer.
However, building a shipyard is only one part of the equation. Sofon also needs to hire and train a skilled workforce of marine engineers and technicians. In the short term, this likely means hiring experienced personnel from South and Southeast Asian origin. However, to meet the country’s Saudization targets, developing a capable domestic workforce is essential. For this, institutions such as King Abdulaziz University and the National Maritime Academy (NMA) could play a key role. Although NMA was originally established to train mariners, in 2019 it announced plans to launch a new branch to train shipyard workers—though it remains unclear whether this initiative has been implemented. NMA is also collaborating with several foreign partners to strengthen its engineering and shipbuilding course offering, including BAE Systems SDT, City of Glasgow College, and the International Maritime Industries.
The Kingdom has also benefited from training provided by international defence companies. In 2021, France’s Naval Group announced plans to train over 50 Saudi engineers and technicians over a three-year period, and to recruit around ten local engineers to be mentored by French senior employees, with the aim of integrating them into the company. Navantia has already trained 200 Saudi blue-collar workers in Spain, equipping them with the skills to maintain the five Al-Jubail-class corvettes.[1]Under the new agreement for three additional corvettes, Navantia plans to train 105 Saudi shipbuilding engineers who are expected to join Sofon Naval. MEMR reportedly provides training on MRO for patrol ships.[2]
Challenges and Outlook
Despite Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in modernizing its navy and establishing a domestic naval shipbuilding ecosystem, several challenges persist.First, key capabilities remain underfunded as of early 2025—particularly in the areas of logistics and support ships, and mine countermeasures vessels. These gaps could constrain the navy’s ability to conduct both long-endurance missions and demining operations respectively, the latter being especially critical in strategic chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Second, the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s naval shipbuilding enterprise remains uncertain. The accelerated nature of its establishment may lead to unexpected obstacles, including challenges to retain skilled personnel and a lack of sustained demand. Strengthening the technical education and training pipeline will also require time and sustained investment. Even then, the shipbuilding sector may struggle to attract local talent due to the shipyard’s remote location in Ras Al-Khair, in addition to competing with more appealing alternatives in sectors like entertainment and technology.
Lastly, the acquisition of all the naval assets listed in Table 1 does not automatically translate into effective military capability. This needs to go hand in hand with rigorous and regular military training—both in live and synthetic environments. Given the ageing condition of several major vessels in the Eastern Fleet, there is concern that at-sea deployments and training may not be occurring with the necessary frequency or intensity.
[1] Author’s communication with an industry professional, January 2025.
[2] Author’s communication with an industry professional, November 2024.
Shopping for Sea Power: Saudi Arabia’s Naval Transformation | ISPI
Saudi Arabia is rapidly modernizing its navy while building a domestic shipbuilding industry. Driven by ageing vessels and shifting strategic pressures, Riyadh aims to combine advanced acquisitions with industrial capability, though challenges in logistics, workforce development, and long-term...
www.ispionline.it
Shopping for Sea Power: Saudi Arabia’s Naval Transformation | ISPI
Saudi Arabia is rapidly modernizing its navy while building a domestic shipbuilding industry. Driven by ageing vessels and shifting strategic pressures, Riyadh aims to combine advanced acquisitions with industrial capability, though challenges in logistics, workforce development, and long-term...
The Royal Saudi Air Force is one of the most important air forces in the world in applying "integrated combat."
Pakistan Space Agency
Elite Member
Why?
SC's table shows Saudi Arabia with 11 frigates in 2 separate classes.
The SC said:
| Frigates | 11 | Al Riyadh-class, Al Madinah-class |
| Corvettes | 9 | Badr-class, Avante 2200-class |
| Patrol Vessels | 39 | Various models |
| Minehunters | 3 | Sandown-class |
| Support Ships | 2 | Various auxiliary vessels |
| Royal Yachts | 2 | Prince Abdul Aziz, Al Yamana |
Your table shows 5 more Frigates delivered, with further on order and some under construction.
That's still just 16 frigates and 9 corvettes inducted so far for such a large country with seas on its both sides.
Its mind boggling considering how unstable the region is, that Saudi Navy doesn't dominate the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
Spanish Navy is probably a lot stronger than Saudi Navy at the moment.
_Arabia_
Trusted Member
Well, for one reason or another the Saudi Arabian navy has not been prioritized but that is slowly changing and as you can see the role of the navy will only increase in the future. Saudi Arabia is also building a rather sophisticated shipbuilding industry within KSA. Look up Zamil Offshore and the Zamil company as a whole - they have numerous branches. All within KSA.
Many other local companies doing a lot of promising stuff.
Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grows 32% in 2025, 2nd-fastest among G20 nations
Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grows 32% in 2025, 2nd-fastest among G20 nations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grew 32 percent in 2025, making the Kingdom second among G20 countries in fleet expansion. The surge reflects the rapid development of the nation’s maritime sector, driven by strategic regulatory reforms, increased investment, modernized...
www.arabnews.com
I also recommend you to read the article (scholarly) that I posted and that entire thread that I created a few months back. It talks about the modernization of the entire army, defense sector within KSA, economy, country etc.
Also look out for the World Defense Forum in Riyadh that will begin next week. @The SC created a thread about this already.
Pakistan Space Agency
Elite Member
Please keep us updated with numbers of new inductions into the navy. It helps a lot to compare Saudi Navy with world navies.Well, for one reason or another the Saudi Arabian navy has not been prioritized but that is slowly changing and as you can see the role of the navy will only increase in the future. Saudi Arabia is also building a rather sophisticated shipbuilding industry within KSA. Look up Zamil Offshore and the Zamil company as a whole - they have numerous branches. All within KSA.
Many other local companies doing a lot of promising stuff.
Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grows 32% in 2025, 2nd-fastest among G20 nations
Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grows 32% in 2025, 2nd-fastest among G20 nations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national maritime fleet grew 32 percent in 2025, making the Kingdom second among G20 countries in fleet expansion. The surge reflects the rapid development of the nation’s maritime sector, driven by strategic regulatory reforms, increased investment, modernized...
I also recommend you to read the article (scholarly) that I posted and that entire thread that I created a few months back. It talks about the modernization of the entire army, defense sector within KSA, economy, country etc.
Also look out for the World Defense Forum in Riyadh that will begin next week. @The SC created a thread about this already.
AZ_HighCountry
INT'L MOD
Nice. Loaded for bear.
The SC
INT'L MOD
- Thread starter
- #524
- The Saudi flag appears on a miniature model of the Turkish KAAN fifth generation aircraft at the World Defense Exhibition held in Riyadh.
This takes us to the statement of Turkish President Erdogan about a week ago, “It is expected to conclude a joint investment agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the KAAN fighter plane.”
- News is circulating about the intention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain the rights to locally manufacture the fighter and to enter as a partner in the joint development and investment programme.
This takes us to the statement of Turkish President Erdogan about a week ago, “It is expected to conclude a joint investment agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the KAAN fighter plane.”
- News is circulating about the intention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain the rights to locally manufacture the fighter and to enter as a partner in the joint development and investment programme.
Ali_Baba
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