Saudi Defense Minister unveils HMS Jazan in Jeddah

In a momentous event at the King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman inaugurated ‘His Majesty’s Ship Jazan,’ marking a significant milestone for the Sarawat project. The ceremony showcased the completion of construction and acceptance trials of the first ship under the project on Saudi lands and waters.

Upon arrival, Prince Khalid was warmly greeted by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili and Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Lt. Gen. Fahd Al-Ghufaili. In his address, Lt. Gen. Al-Ghufaili emphasized the ship’s role in enhancing maritime security, elevating Saudi naval forces’ readiness, and safeguarding the Kingdom’s strategic interests.

Highlighting the ship’s advanced defensive capabilities, Lt. Gen. Al-Ghufaili mentioned that the systems underwent thorough acceptance tests, including live firing tests, showcasing a tangible embodiment of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The vessels, part of the Sarawat project, boast the world’s most modern features and are equipped with the groundbreaking Saudi battle management system, “Hazm.”

Following his speech, Prince Khalid boarded the ship, raising the Kingdom’s flag to formally mark its entry into the naval fleet. The ship’s radars and neighboring vessels’ whistles resonated, symbolizing its official inclusion as the fourth ship of the ‘Sarawat project.’

Prince Khalid’s tour included the command tower, where he left a commemorative note in the ship’s historical record, culminating in a group photo with the crew. As a gesture of appreciation, Lt. Gen. Al-Ghufaili presented Prince Khalid with a souvenir.

The distinguished ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Assistant Minister of Defense Dr. Khalid bin Hussein Al-Biyari and CEO of Sami Company Eng. Walid bin Abdulmajeed Abu Khaled. Representatives from Spain, including Secretary of State for Trade Xiana Mendez and Admiral D. Gonzalo Sanz Alisedo, also participated, underscoring the international collaboration involved in the Sarawat project.

Alluding to the project’s collaborative nature, the report highlighted the integration of the 100 percent Saudi battle management system, “HAZEM packets,” designed by Saudis in partnership with the “Sami Navantia” company. The HMS Jazan is the fourth of five avante 2200 corvettes commissioned for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces by the Spanish state-owned company Navantia. The earlier commissioned ships were HMS Al-Jubail, Diriya, and Hail, collectively contributing to the Kingdom’s maritime prowess.