Navantia has launched Neom, the seventh AVANTE 2200 corvette built for Saudi Arabia, bringing the vessel closer to its testing programme and eventual entry into service. The ship was launched at the Spanish company’s San Fernando shipyard in the Bay of Cádiz and represents the second vessel in a three-ship follow-on order placed in 2025. Construction of the additional corvettes is being carried out at Navantia’s San Fernando and Puerto Real facilities. The last vessel in the batch is expected to be delivered in 2029. Before joining the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Neom will complete systems integration, technical testing and sea trials. The contract also provides for personnel training and integrated logistics support, helping establish the operational and maintenance arrangements required for the new ships. The corvettes use the same AVANTE 2200 platform as the five vessels delivered under the original programme. They are designed to conduct maritime patrols, search-and-rescue missions, surveillance and protection of strategically important maritime assets. Their combat systems support operations against aerial, surface and underwater threats, alongside intelligence collection and electronic warfare missions. Navantia is supplying key onboard technologies, including the HAZEM combat management system, HERMESYS communications suite, DORNA fire-control system and MINERVA integrated bridge. An integrated platform management system is also included. The latest launch represents continued progress in Saudi Arabia’s naval expansion programme, adding modern multirole vessels intended to support both routine maritime security operations and more demanding naval missions.
