US-built first Saudi MMSC frigate HMS Saud launched at Fincantieri’s shipyard
The Royal Saudi Navy has marked a significant milestone with the launch of HMS Saud, the first Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) frigate constructed in the United States. The event took place at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, on December 18, 2025. This launch is a key development in Project Tuwaiq, a long-term naval modernization initiative aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime defense capabilities and strengthening U.S.-Saudi naval cooperation.
HMS Saud, designated with pennant number 820 and named in honor of King Saud, is the lead vessel in a four-ship program ordered under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework. The project has been described by defense officials as a cornerstone of bilateral naval relations. The frigate measures approximately 118 meters in length, with a beam of 17.6 meters and a draft of about 4.3 meters, boasting a full-load displacement of around 3,600 tonnes.
Significance of the Launch and Project Tuwaiq
The launch of HMS Saud follows a critical industrial operation on December 16, when the vessel was transferred from the construction hall to the ship lift, signaling its transition toward final outfitting and upcoming trials. The ceremony was attended by senior military and industrial leaders from both Saudi Arabia and the United States, including Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghraibi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The event underscored the progress of the shipbuilding program and highlighted the development of training and support structures necessary for operational readiness once the frigates enter service.
Project Tuwaiq, which began with U.S. approval of a potential MMSC sale in October 2015, is valued at approximately $11.25 billion. The formal contractual framework was established in May 2017, with subsequent contracts supporting the program’s design and construction phases. Construction of HMS Saud commenced with steel cutting in October 2019, followed by keel laying in May 2021. The keel for the second ship, HMS Fahd, was laid in October 2022, while fabrication of the third and fourth hulls is already in progress. Despite some schedule pressures related to workforce availability and the integration of Saudi-specific combat systems, officials remain confident in the program’s operational objectives.
The MMSC design, derived from the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship, features permanently installed combat systems, distinguishing it from its modular counterparts. HMS Saud is equipped with advanced technologies, including Lockheed Martin’s COMBATSS-21 combat management system and a range of sensors and weaponry designed for versatile operational capabilities. The Saudi Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Project Tuwaiq also encompasses shore infrastructure and long-term sustainment measures, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives to develop domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign support.
