Badr-class

The Badr class originated from a 1972 agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States to expand the Royal Saudi Navy. In 1977, the Saudi government ordered four missile-armed corvettes from the Tacoma Boatbuilding Company. Initially designated as PCG units, the four vessels—Badr, Al Yarmook, Hitteen, and Tabuk—entered service in the early 1980s.

The design utilizes a Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system, featuring a gas turbine and diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers. Although the vessels were completed over their intended displacement, they retained their machinery configuration. The sensor suite includes air search, surface search, and fire control radars, alongside a hull-mounted sonar. Electronic warfare equipment includes an ESM system and fixed decoy launchers.

Armament is centered on anti-ship missiles and a primary gun mounted forward. Defensive and secondary systems include a close-in weapon system (CIWS), light cannons, a mortar, and a grenade launcher. Anti-submarine capabilities are provided by torpedoes launched from triple tubes.

The class remains in active service with the Royal Saudi Navy. Following the acquisition of newer vessels and the general modernization of the fleet, the Badr class was transitioned to a coastal defense role. The ships are based in the Persian Gulf and participate in naval integration exercises.