Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) celebrated the laying ceremony of the main keel of the second ship of the Tuwaiq Project at Marinette, Wisconsin in the United States, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.
The vessel was officially named "His Majesty King Fahd's Ship.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of RSNF Lt. Gen. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghufaili, the military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Washington and Ottawa, senior officers of the Saudi and American naval forces, and several officials from Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri.
Speaking at the event, Al-Ghufaili praised the unlimited support provided by the Saudi leadership in developing the navy.
The Tuwaiq Project is one of the main projects in the development of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The project includes four multi-tasking combat ships that boast the latest advanced combat systems in all naval operations against air, surface, and subsurface targets.
The ships will help raise the level of combat readiness of the naval forces, bolster maritime security in the region and protect the strategic and vital interests of the Kingdom.
The project includes qualifying and training ship crews, providing training simulators, logistical services, and technical and logistical support. It will also help in the transfer and localization of many technical capabilities.
The move is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement to localize 50% of the total military spending by 2030 that will strengthen the capabilities of national companies and create job opportunities for Saudi citizens.
