Royal Saudi Navy's MMSC Program Faces Design Delays and Rework
The Royal Saudi Navy's Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (MMSCs) are undergoing additional design modifications due to identified deficiencies, impacting all four vessels. The program, under the Tuwaiq project, aims to enhance RSN capabilities but continues to face significant delays.
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The Royal Saudi Navy has contracted for further design and engineering work on all four Multi-Mission Surface Combatants (MMSCs), necessitated by deficiencies in trial cards and discrepancies during initial trials. This additional work will address incomplete engineering changes prior to vessel deliveries, affecting the already launched HMS Saud (820) and extending the program timeline.
Originally scheduled for completion by late 2025, the program has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce issues, and requested design changes. Facilities in New Jersey and near Naval Station Mayport will undertake the additional construction, with completion anticipated in 2031.
The MMSC program is a derivative of the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship and includes advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor and Harpoon missiles. With uncertainties surrounding the timeline, the shipbuilding period may exceed a decade, impacting the RSN's modernization goals.
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