Avante 2200 Corvette: Navantia Launches New Construction
Spanish defense contractor Navantia has officially commenced the construction of the seventh Avante 2200-class corvette for the Royal Saudi Naval Force. The process began at Navantia’s shipyard in San Fernando with a ceremonial steel cutting for the new vessel. This significant event takes place just three months after the initiation of the first corvette in the production program, highlighting the swift progress of this naval project.
The contract, signed with Riyadh in 2024, stipulates the development of three more Avante 2200 ships for the Saudi Navy. Currently, the Saudi Arabian fleet includes five vessels of this class, all of which were delivered after their acquisition in 2022. Under the terms of the latest agreement, the initial corvette will be constructed in Spain, while the remaining vessels will be built in Saudi Arabia, aiming for completion and delivery by 2028.
Integrated Support and Training Operations
As part of the comprehensive deal, Navantia is set to provide integrated logistics support and crew training services to the Saudi Navy. This initiative underscores the partnership not just in shipbuilding but also in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Saudi forces. Additionally, Navantia will work collaboratively with the Spanish Navy to perform an operational evaluation of the new corvette at the Rota Naval Base in Cádiz.
The construction of these corvettes is expected to significantly boost local employment opportunities, with Navantia projected to create around 2,000 jobs in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the program includes plans to train 100 individuals within the nation, emphasizing the importance of knowledge transfer and skill development in naval operations.
The Avante 2200 Design
The Avante 2200-class warship is designed for multiple maritime functions, including traffic surveillance, search and rescue missions, and support for other naval vessels. This state-of-the-art corvette measures 99 meters (approximately 325 feet) in length and has a beam of 14 meters (46 feet), offering accommodations for over 90 personnel along with space allocated for a maritime helicopter.
Equipped with advanced military technology, the corvette features a 76-millimeter naval cannon, a 35-millimeter close-in weapon system, machine guns, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes. Its propulsion system consists of four combined diesel engines, enabling the vessel to reach speeds of 24 knots (44 kilometers or 28 miles per hour) and a remarkable range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers or 4,028 miles), ensuring operational versatility in various missions.
Enhanced Capabilities for Future Missions
The upcoming Avante 2200 vessels for the Saudi Navy will not only mirror the capabilities of the initially delivered ships but also include enhanced features. These improvements are aimed at strengthening the corvettes’ roles in defending strategic assets and conducting intelligence operations.
Additionally, the new ships will bolster their operational readiness for anti-submarine, anti-air, anti-surface, and electronic warfare tasks. These advancements reflect Navantia’s commitment to providing cutting-edge naval solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients in a complex maritime environment.
