Saudis launch first locally built HSI32
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia on 14 October announced the launch of the first locally built HSI32 high-speed interceptor boat for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
The craft (pictured) was manufactured by Zamil Offshore Services ‘according to the highest international specifications’, GAMI noted.
A total of 39 boats were ordered in 2018 under a $480 million agreement between Zamil and French shipbuilder CMN, which is building 21 with the remainder assembled in Saudi Arabia.
The HSI32 can reach a top speed of 45kt. According to Shephard Defence Insight, each craft has an overall length of 32.2m, beam of 7m and draft of 1.4m.
They are equipped with a 4.8m outboard RIB mounted on the stern ramp, a C2 system, one 20mm remote-controlled gun turret, an EO observation system, two 12.7mm side guns, a radio direction finder and a SATCOM for data link.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
HSI 32-High Speed Interceptors [Saudi Arabia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Russian vessels exercise in English Channel and off Irish coast
One of the vessels present in both cases was armed with hypersonic cruise missiles.
-
Australia narrows SEA 3000 frigate designs to TKMS and MHI
Two modular frigate designs will be considered as the replacement to Australia’s ageing Anzac-class.
-
Latest Arleigh Burke destroyer commissioned
The vessel, DDG 122, will be named after enlisted marine John Basilone.
-
Kongsberg awarded $960 million missile contract
The contract could rise to as much as US$1.1 billion and follows an announcement last month that Kongsberg was building a missile production facility in the US to meet burgeoning global demand.
-
New US Navy batteries are deemed submarine-safe
The use of Passive Propagation Technology significantly reduces the risk of Lithium-ion batteries for use in torpedo tube launched AUVs.
-
BAE Systems’ Herne XLAUV set to hunt for underwater intelligence
The Herne is modular, highly configurable underwater autonomous platform, with potential for both ISR missions in the short term and self-determined assistance surveillance later.