The keel of the fifth corvette for Saudi Arabia was laid at Navantia in San Fernando, Spain, on 15 April. The ship is the last unit of the class based on the Avante 2200 design for the oil state. The order, which was signed in 2018, has a total value of around 1.8 billion euros. Three of the corvettes have already been launched. Number four is still under construction and is due to be handed over to its element in July. The corvette is equipped with the Catiz command and weapon deployment system and the Hermesys integrated communication system. MTU engines and Renk gearboxes provide the propulsion.
With a length of 99 metres, the corvettes displace around 2500 tonnes.
Text: mb; Photo: Navantia
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A corvette with 2500 tonnes, frigates with 5400 tonnes - the latter used to be small cruisers - everything has shifted over the decades...