The Saudi Arabian state-owned defense company Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Naval Group for cooperation in the construction of naval vessels.
The two sides would work together on building a range of warships, including frigates and corvettes, SAMI announced at the IDEX military exhibition in Abu Dhabi, according to a Reuters report.
SAMI’s collaboration with Naval Group is aimed at developing the country’s capability to domestically build warships.
“Through design, construction, and maintenance activities the joint venture will contribute significantly to further enhance the capabilities and readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces,” Reuters quoted the SAMI chief executive Andreas Schwer as saying.
Saudi Arabia’s SAMI was formed in 2017 with the aim of establishing a venue for delivering defense systems to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and exporting them to allies.
In April 2018, SAMI formed a joint venture with Spanish shipbuilder Navantia for the supply and integration of combat systems for Saudi naval projects.
The joint venture was established after Saudi Arabia ordered five Avante 2200 corvettes from the Spanish shipbuilder. All five ships are to be delivered by 2022.