New French frigate for Saudi Arabia

The Saudi naval forces next Friday will receive a new French Frigate which is the first in the course of "Sawari 2" project, by which France will back and support the Saudi naval forces.

The commander of the Saudi naval forces Lt. Gen. Fahd Bin Abdullah who will inaugurate the frigate in the city of Lauren, added that the frigate will play a key role together with the other frigates within the "Sawari 2" project, noting that the said frigate is specialized in a high fighting capability and will contribute to strengthening his country's defense capabilities.

Worthy mentioning that " Sawari 2" project whose first part was implemented after the second Gulf war is one of the Saudi- French joint projects according to which France will contribute to backing and modernizing the Saudi naval force.

However, France is expected to complete equipping this project which includes the building of three frigates provided with most advanced fighting defense besides qualification, maintenance and training centers during the year 2003.