Saudi Arabia Navy Avante-class Ordered

The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced on 11 December 2024 a new contract with Navantia for three additional Avante 2200-class corvettes -- later named Al Madinah, Neom and AlUla -- identical to the five units already in service with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. Navantia will deliver the first unit from its San Fernando yard in Spain, with the second and third completed in Saudi Arabia by SAMINavantia, which also supplies the Hazem combat system. The contract includes a transfer of the Avante 2200 design intellectual property to GAMI and training for more than 100 Saudi engineers; construction of the lead unit began within days of signature, with the last of the three due for delivery in 2028.