Saudi Arabia received three high-speed patrol boats from France

According to Fars News Agency, three HSI-32 high-speed patrol boats were delivered to the Saudi Arabian Navy in the Red Sea today (Thursday).

According to the Arabic Defense website, the Saudi Arabian Navy plans to use these boats for patrolling, gathering information and interception at sea. The first of these boats was delivered in January 2020.

According to Saudi sources, the agreement signed with the French company CMN includes the manufacture and import of 39 high-speed boats of the HSI32 type, 21 of which are in France and 18 others are in the form of a transfer program. Technology is made in Saudi Arabia. These boats are the newest speedboats in the world.

According to the manufacturer, these boats are designed to carry out offensive operations, search and rescue (SAR), maritime security, protection of other ships and offshore facilities, anti-piracy, control of illegal immigration and smuggling. HSI-32 boats are also capable of joint operations with aircraft and coastal surveillance systems.

These boats are equipped with a remote-controlled 20 mm machine gun turret as well as two side 12.7 mm machine guns to protect the crew against speed boats and asymmetric threats.

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