Saudi Arabia has reached an important milestone in upgrading its naval fleet with the launch of its first Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) frigate at a shipyard in the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

On 16 December 2025, Fincantieri Marinette Marine moved HMS King Saud (820), the first of four MMSC frigates ordered by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), from the construction hall to the ship lift.

This step marked the vessel’s launch and cleared the way for final outfitting, system installation and sea trials. The ship is also known as Jalalat Al-Malik Saud (His Majesty King Saud).

The launch ceremony was attended by the RSNF Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghraibi, along with senior officials from Saudi Arabia and the United States and representatives from Fincantieri and Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor responsible for the ship’s combat systems and overall integration.

Saudi officials explained that the Tuwaiq Project combines new warships with structured crew training, qualification programs, and shore-based preparations to ensure the vessels can operate effectively once delivered.

The project is intended to improve the RSNF’s ability to protect the Kingdom’s strategic interests and secure vital maritime routes.

The Tuwaiq Project began after U.S. approval for the sale of MMSC ships to Saudi Arabia in October 2015, with the overall programme estimated to be worth $11.25 billion.

The formal framework was established in May 2017 with the signing of a letter of offer and acceptance. Several major contracts followed in 2018, including $481 million in March, $450 million in July for detailed design and planning, and another $282 million in November.

In December 2019, a contract modification valued at $1,955,776,266 was issued to cover the detailed design and construction of all four ships. Work has been carried out at Marinette and several other locations across the United States, with the programme currently scheduled for completion in June 2026.

Steel cutting for HMS King Saud began in October 2019, and the keel was laid in May 2021. The keel for the second ship, HMS Fahd (822), was laid on 13 October 2022. By that time, fabrication of the third and fourth vessels was already under way. In late October 2025, the first MMSC was moved out of the construction shed ahead of its launch.

Saudi officials have also added that the Tuwaiq Project includes long-term support measures. Planned upgrades at King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail will add modern maintenance and training facilities, aimed at improving readiness and reducing dependence on overseas support.

The programme has also been linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals through the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and the General Authority for Defence Development (GADD), with a focus on building local industrial and sustainment capabilities.

The MMSC design is based on the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship but is configured differently. Unlike the modular LCS design, the Saudi version has permanently installed weapons and combat systems, making it a fully equipped surface combatant.

The ship is about 118 metres long, with a beam of 17.6 metres, a draught of 4.3 metres and a maximum displacement of around 3,600 tonnes.

The frigate uses a combined diesel and gas propulsion system, allowing speeds of about 30 knots and a range of roughly 5,000 nautical miles. It has a standard crew of 101 personnel, including a helicopter detachment, with space available for additional personnel when needed.

Reference: armyrecognition, thenationalnews