Royal Saudi Navy orders fast patrol boats

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has reportedly asked French shipbuilder Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) to begin construction of three FS56 patrol boats for the Royal Saudi Navy.

French news site La Tribune said the contract for the Combattante FS56 fast attack craft was valued at €250 million (US$298 million).

The vessels were supposed to be delivered to Lebanon as part of a US$3 billion aid package but the grant was suspended in 2016 after a diplomatic incident.

La Tribune reported CNM was ready to start construction after the first installment was paid.

Acquired under the coordination of French military exports agency ODAS, the 56-metre vessels will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 38 knots.

The design has a range of 2,500 nautical miles at 15 knots and a crew of 32.