RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense and the Saudi General Authority for Military Industries had signed a contract with the Spanish company Navantia for the purchase and construction of several multi-mission combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. .

The Kingdom's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Spain's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mara Reyes Maroto both signed the agreement.

On Twitter, Prince Khalid said the agreement was in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's goal of enhancing the capabilities of the Saudi Defense Ministry.

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According to him, "This MoU represents the most recent effort to realize the vision of HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister to localize our military industry and empower and strengthen the capabilities of the Ministry of Defense, which is our country's and will help provide security for the region."

The objective of the agreement is to raise the readiness level of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces to improve maritime security in the region, protect the Kingdom's vital and strategic interests, and support the Ministry of Defense's operational and strategic objectives.

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In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Navantia will localize up to 100% of naval shipbuilding, combat systems integration and ship maintenance.

Additionally, it emphasizes software development, engineering and design of hardware and systems as well as integration of combat systems into new ships.

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The agreement will also cover development and testing of training programs, system validation, prototyping, simulation, logistics support and those activities mentioned above.