Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Under the patronage of Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Lt. Gen. Fahd Bin Abdullah Al-Ghafili, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces has celebrated the laying of the keel of the Royal Saudi Navy first ship of the Tuwaiq project, which has officially been named “His Majesty King Saud Ship” (HMS Saud).

The keel-laying ceremony was held in Marinette, Wisconsin, in the United States.

On this occasion, Al-Ghafili delivered a speech in which he expressed his pleasure to attend the landmark event. He praised the unlimited support by the leadership of Saudi Arabia led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid Bin Salman.

It is noteworthy that the Tuwaiq project includes qualifying and training of ship crews and providing of similar training, logistical services, as well as technical and logistical support.

This project will also contribute to the transfer and resettlement of many technical capabilities in order to achieve and activate the announcement of the Crown Prince, to localize 50 percent of the total military spending by 2030, which will enhance the capabilities of national companies.

It will also create job and training opportunities for Saudis, thus increasing the contribution of Saudi citizens in this vital industry.