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Saudi Arabia to Buy Three Combat Ships from Spain's Navantia

Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Navantia Chairman and CEO Ricardo García-Baquero signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides. SPA
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Navantia Chairman and CEO Ricardo García-Baquero signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides. SPA
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Saudi Arabia to Buy Three Combat Ships from Spain's Navantia

Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Navantia Chairman and CEO Ricardo García-Baquero signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides. SPA
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Navantia Chairman and CEO Ricardo García-Baquero signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the Spanish Navantia Company in Riyadh on Thursday to acquire three Avante 2200 corvettes, multipurpose combat vessels for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), in a signing ceremony attended by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili.
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Navantia Chairman and CEO Ricardo García-Baquero signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides.
Under the new acquisition contract, construction of the first vessel will commence this year and the third and last combat vessel is scheduled for delivery to the RSNF by 2028. The agreement emphasizes delivering the first vessel in Spain, while the systems for the second and third vessels will be completed in the Kingdom. This includes acceptance testing on Saudi soil and waters as well as the installation and integration of the Saudi-developed naval battle combat management system (HAZEM) and other combat systems as part of localization efforts.
The contract aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to localize military industries, contributing to the sustainability of naval systems. Navantia will provide a comprehensive logistics support package, including crew training, a full-scale training plan for over 100 Saudi engineers, and localization of up to 100% of the construction of the new naval ships, system integration, and ship maintenance, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.
On this occasion, Al-Biyari said that the signing of the new acquisition contract aligns with the vision of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to establish an advanced naval industry base in the Kingdom. It also follows the directives of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces, sustain defense systems, localize military industries, and maximize the use of local content.
He further noted that the new contract builds on the success of the first Sarawat project, marked by the completion of its first phase with the construction and delivery of five combat ships. This achievement has raised the readiness level of the naval forces, enhanced maritime security in the region, and safeguarded the Kingdom's vital and strategic interests.
García-Baquero emphasized that the project vessels incorporate the latest combat systems to counter all air, surface, and underwater threats, making them the most advanced of their class worldwide. He reiterated the company's commitment to transferring technology to Saudi engineers and contributing to localizing technical capabilities in the Kingdom.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.

Gulf

OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.

Gulf

Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
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Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.