According the a Saudi MoD press release, the ceremony was held in the presence of a number of military officials from both sides, including the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al Ghafaily.
The maritime forces are seeking through this project and other projects to develop their fighting capabilities and increase their capabilities, Protect Saudi Arabia’s interests in the economic and regional waters.
Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al Ghafaily
In April 2018, Saudi company Zamil Offshore Services concluded an agreement worth 480 million dollars with CMN for the construction of 39 HSI32 interceptors for the Saudi Naval Forces. According to the agreement, 21 vessels are set to be built by CMN in Cherbourg, France, and the remaining 19 will be assembled at the facilities of Zamil Offshore Services in Saudi Arabia.
According to CMN, the HSI32 is a fast interceptor which combines significant intelligence and surveillance capacities with high speed (45 knots) and extended patrol period of 3 days.
HSI32 Interceptors have already been delivered by CMN to the Navy of Mozambique back in 2013. The Saudi vessels differ slightly in design as they feature a secondary raised pilot house. It is powered by three waterjets.
The vessel has a range of 800 nautical miles and a crew of 12 sailors. It features a stern ramp to launch and recover a RHIB and as well as a panoramic 360° bridge. Images of the vessels show them fitted with a Nexter Narwhal 20mm remote weapon station at the bow.
CMN HSI32 Main Characteristics
- Length: 32.20 m
- Beam: 1,.40 m
- Max speed: 43 knots
- Range @12 knots: 800 nautical miles
- Crew: 12 sailors
- Hull & Superstructure: Aluminium
CMN HSI32 Missions
- Sea policing and maritime security
- Fight against piracy, trafficking, smuggling and illegal immigration
- Protection of vulnerable vessels and offshore installations and escort of convoys
- Combined operations with aircraft and coastal surveillance systems
- Sea strike operations
- Defence against asymmetric threats, speedboats and the boarding of terrorists
- Safety at sea
- Search And Rescue (SAR)
