San Fernando, Madrid, Dec. 05, 2022, SPA -- The Royal Saudi Naval Forces has launched His Majesty's Ship Hail in Spanish waters at Navantia's shipyard in San Fernando, Spain, the third ship following Al-Jubail and Al-Diriya as part of the Sarawat project that includes five combat ships of Corvette Avante 2200. At the outset of the dedication ceremony, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Rear Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily hoisted the Saudi flag ontop the ship, indicating its entering official service in the attendance of senior Saudi and Spanish officers and officials. In an address, Al-Ghofaily said the ships will contribute to upgrading the ability and efficiency of the Saudi navy aiming to enhance maritime security in the region and, first of all, protect the vital interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He lauded the unlimited support rendered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Supreme Commander of all forces, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, for the Saudi armed forces in general and the navy in particular. Present at the launch ceremony were Spain's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Maria Reyes Maroto; Saudi Ambassador to Spain Azam bin Abdulkarim Al-Gain; President of the Board of Directors and CEO of Navantia company Recarod Garcia; Head of BoD of SAMI Dr. Mohammed Al-Gahtani and a number of senior officers and officials. Sawarat is a joint venture between the Saudi Arabian Military Industries company (SAMI) and Spanish Navantia for ship manufacturing to build multi-purpose combat ships for the Saudi navy aiming to achieve the objectives of the Kingdom vision 2030, and in particular localize 50% of military industries by 2030. The Sarawat project agreement is set to provide the naval fighting department of Saudi Arabia with the first Saudi system nick-named Hazm that would contribute to localize military industries through transformation of technology and national staff intensive training. It also includes logistic services, technical support, long-term supplies of land test labs, naval base equipment and systems for vessels maintenance and staff sustainable qualifiying. HMS Diriya, the second of Sarawat project, which was dedicated last July is scheduled to reach the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia early next year after having completed its training program in Spain. The launch of the fourth and fifth ships, HMS Jazan and HMS Onaiza respectively, will take place in Saudi Arabia under the sponsorship of Saudi engineers who have received training in the Kingdom of Spain. --SPA 04:12 LOCAL TIME 01:12 GMT 0005 www.spa.gov.sa/w1821864