Saudi Arabia Launches HSI32 Speed Interceptor Boat System

The Saudi local manufacturing of interceptors came in line with the latest international specifications and standards. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi local manufacturing of interceptors came in line with the latest international specifications and standards. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Launches HSI32 Speed Interceptor Boat System

The Saudi local manufacturing of interceptors came in line with the latest international specifications and standards. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi local manufacturing of interceptors came in line with the latest international specifications and standards. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Defense and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) announced on Wednesday the launch of the first locally-manufactured HSI32 speed interceptor boats as well as the commissioning of the first Floating Dock.

The Saudi local manufacturing of interceptors came in line with the latest international specifications and standards, in partnership between the French CMN and the Saudi Zamil Offshore Services Company.

In a statement, GAMI Governor Ahmad Al-Ohali underlined the Saudi leadership’s support for “harnessing the capabilities and resources to advance the promising industry.”

He noted that the manufacture and localization of the fast interceptor boats system was part of the authority’s strategy to meet national priorities, empower local manufacturers and help major national companies to enhance their global position.

Al-Ohali also emphasized GAMI’s determination to move towards achieving its first strategic goal, which is to localize more than 50 percent of the Kingdom’s spending on military equipment and services, in addition to expanding the scope and impact of current capabilities by 2030.

For his part, Commander of the Saudi Naval Forces, Lieutenant General Fahad Al-Ghufaili, said that the new achievement fell within Vision 2030 and came in accordance with the directives of the Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense in order to realize the strategic goals of localizing the military industries in the Kingdom.

Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zamil Group, pointed to the Saudi leadership’s great support for the military industries sector enjoys, stressing the importance of the partnership with the Saudi Royal Navy to further develop the national industry.



UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM
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UAE Delegation Meets French Officials to Strengthen Cooperation

Photo by WAM
Photo by WAM

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations Committee (NAMLCFTC), visited Paris to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in combating financial and organised crimes and strengthening international economic security, state news agency WAM reported.

The mission aimed to present the UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 in combating financial crimes, reflecting the UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen international partnerships and exchange expertise in this field. The visit highlights the UAE’s commitment to activating effective communication channels to reduce financial crimes in alignment with its strategic goals and global AML/CFT standards.

Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat and Vice Chairman of NAMLCFTC, emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation in tackling financial crime, stating, “France is one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, and likewise, the UAE is France’s primary trade partner in the region. This necessitates strengthening our partnership to address illicit global financial flows. This visit is part of our commitment to and belief in the importance of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise.

"Discussions focused on enhancing partnerships across various areas and with several partners, including the Ministries of Treasury, Justice, and Interior, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and others. We look forward to continuing our work with French partners, especially on priority issues such as global organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and mitigating shared risks between our countries.”

According to WAM, Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to the French Republic, commended the close bilateral relations between the UAE and the French Republic, saying: “This visit marks a significant milestone to enhance the strategic and enduring partnership between the UAE and France, rooted in close cooperation and our shared commitment to global economic security and the fight against international financial crime. Through strengthened collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we aim to advance international efforts to confront financial security challenges.”

He added: “The delegation, led by the General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, discussed the comprehensive approach adopted by the UAE in addressing financial crimes. Furthermore, the delegation participated in technical discussions on key priority issues with our French partners. We look forward to further deepening sustainable cooperation between the UAE and France, to reinforce regional and global frameworks to combat illicit financial activities.”