Navy Force of Saudi Arabia takes delivery of new CMN Interceptor HSI32 vessels.

Naval Forces of Saudi Arabia have taken delivery of the first two interceptor HSI32 vessels from the French Company CMN on July 24, 2019, at the shipyard in Cherbourg, France. Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al Ghafaili, has launched the first and second interceptor vessels at the headquarters of French Company CMN in Cherbourg, France, in the presence of a number of military officials from both sides.

The new Interceptor HSI32 vessel for the Naval Forces of Saudi Arabia (Picture source  Saudi Arabia MoD)

On April 13, 2018, Saudi company Zamil Offshore Services concluded an agreement worth 480 million dollars with the French shipbuilding company CMN for the construction of 39 HSI32 interceptors for a Saudi state agency, likely the Coast Guards. According to the agreement, 19 vessels are set to be built by CMN in Cherbourg, France, and the remaining 20 will be assembled at the facilities of Zamil Offshore Services in Saudi Arabia.

The Interceptor HSI32 vessel is designed to meet the needs of modern Navies and Coast Guards. The HSI32 is a fast interceptor which combines significant intelligence and surveillance capacities with high speed (45 knots) and extended patrol period of 3 days.

CMN has sought to develop a versatile interceptor, efficient and easy to use for conducting anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, or control of illicit trafficking missions.

The HSI32 has a range of 800 nautical miles (approximately) with a crew of only 12 sailors. This new advanced interceptor comes with an RHIB launching ramp at the stern and a 360° bridge.

The HSI32 is fitted with self-defense capabilities including a 20 mm remote weapon system plus two 12.7 mm machine guns with a field of 360° coverage.