The oil kingdom is strengthening its navy to reduce its reliance on the US.

The Makkah frigate of the Royal Saudi Arabian Navy.

Saudi Arabia has long relied on U.S. naval protection and support, while its military has primarily focused on developing its capabilities to counter land and air threats.

However, the new situation is forcing Riyadh to seek ways to enhance its self-reliance. Therefore, these moves are aimed at responding to the growing threat in the region and reflect an effort to reduce dependence on the US in terms of defense, according to an analysis by Business Insider on December 1st.

Analyst Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco of the strategic consulting firm Gulf State Analytics (based in Washington, D.C.) noted that the Royal Saudi Navy has demonstrated its capabilities by taking the lead in two naval task forces – the Maritime Force Complex and the International Maritime Security Construction Complex – in missions at the end of August.

Through this, the Royal Saudi Navy has demonstrated its ability to use newly commissioned warships in "real -world scenarios," assuming a more leading role in protecting maritime routes in the region.

Efforts to modernize the navy

Previously, the Saudi Arabian navy mainly consisted of Al-Madinah and Al-Riyadh-class frigates, with support vessels including Badr-class frigates and Al-Siddiq-class patrol boats. Many of these ships were commissioned in the 1980s.

To enhance its naval capabilities, the Arab nation is committed to modernizing its fleet and in 2018 signed a $1.79 billion deal with Spain to purchase five Avante 2200-class frigates.

The Avante 2200-class ships are equipped with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, RIM-162 anti-aircraft missiles, and 76 mm guns to shoot down approaching targets from the air and sea.

The first vessel, Al Jubail, arrived at the Saudi Arabian naval base in Jeddah in August 2022. Riyadh is expected to receive all five ships as planned the following year. The new ships will supplement the Saudi Arabian Western Fleet, responsible for protecting the country's coastline along the Red Sea. This is also the area where Houthi forces in Yemen constantly threaten international cargo and naval vessels.

In addition, the Saudi Arabian Eastern Fleet is also expected to receive a batch of four Multi-Mission Maritime Combat Ships (MMSCs) under a $1.96 billion contract with Lockheed Martin in 2019.

The MMSC ships are based on the US Freedom-class littoral combat ships and will be the most modern warships of the Saudi Arabian Eastern Fleet when they are commissioned.

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