Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI); announced the launch and localization of the first locally-manufactured HSI32 speed interceptor boats; as well as the commissioning of the first floating dock.
This comes as part of a plan to localize military industries in the Kingdom. As per the plan, Riyadh will manfacture boats locally according to the latest international specifications and standards; in cooperation between the French CMN Group and Zamil Offshore Services Company.
The HSI32 is a fast interceptor boat that can help in conducting sea strike operations, search and rescue (SAR); maritime security, sea safety, convoy protection, sea policing, anti-piracy; protection of vulnerable vessels and offshore installations, and control of illegal immigration, trafficking, and smuggling.
In detail; the inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday at the headquarters of Zamil Offshore Services Company in the Eastern region by GAMI Gov. Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces Admiral Fahd Bin Abdulla Al-Ghufaili; President of Saudi Ports Authority Saad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalb; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zamil Group Abdurrahman Bin Abdullah Al-Zamil, Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia François Gouyette and others.
Speaking on the occasion, GAMI chief Ahmed Al-Ohali commended the unlimited support and care of the wise leadership; toward the promising sector. He pointed out that the manufacturing and localization of HSI32 system is part of the authority's efforts to support and empower local manufacturers and develop promising local companies to be market leaders.
He added that the speedboats system will contribute; to raising the level of military and security readiness of the Royal Saudi Navy Forces and also will contribute; to strengthening the maritime security force in the region and protecting the vital and strategic interests of the Kingdom equally.
Above all, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Navy Forces, Admiral Fahd Al-Ghufaili; said that the localization of the speed interceptor boat systems is an actual and also realistic embodiment of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
In addition; he said this agreement is part of a national project aimed at developing the industries; and also that the project reached final phase thanks to the efforts of GAMI and its pioneering role in building a sustainable local military industry.
Furthermore Admiral Al-Ghufili extended his thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman; as well as to Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman for their unlimited support to develop the armed forces for the benefit of the nation.
