The Saudi Royal/political leadership meet Malaysia's main politicians in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 26, 2017. (Photo courtesy Reuters via Malay Mail Online).
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The Saudi Arabian Navy is well equipped with 7 French built frigates and 4 corvettesbut lacks a submarine service. In an era of heightened tensions with submarine owning Iran (3 Kilos, 4 smaller subs and perhaps 40 mini-subs) the Saudis may believe they need a submarine counter.
Shephard Media, December 18, 2016 reportedthat: “Saudi Arabia has wanted to develop its underwater force for over a decade now but plans for six diesel-electrics attack boats that are suited for the shallow waters of the Gulf have not materialised. The main Western exporters of these types of submarine are ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, DCNS, Navantia, Saab Kockums, and Fincantieri, although there could be options from China, Russia and South Korea.” So the Saudi may have wanted small-medium sized subs for over a decade.
But, Saudi submarine leadership problems may exist. The Saudis traditionally assign middle to senior officer positions to the Kingdom’s thousands of princes. Officer positions are often valued for prestige rather than technical proficiency. Always more interesting to fly jets or take a frigate out for a day-long spin.
This places oily, unseen, submarines, that demand solid technical knowledge and reliance on “commoners” for safe operation as unpopular royal command possibilities. Hence royal command is one reason for the delay in building a submarine service.
Reportsin early March 2017 that Malaysia may make a deal with Saudi Arabia to train Saudi navy personnel on submarines may be militarily substantial or a warning to Iran that the Saudis could undertake a submarine arms race. The Saudis could buy 6 more effective modern submarines against Iran’s 3 older model Project 877 Kilos and smaller, untested, submarines.
Malaysia, of course, has 2 DCNS Scorpenes. It is also significant that the Saudis have a largely covert strategic alliance with another DCNS submarine owning country, Pakistan. Pakistan operates 3 updated AIP DCNS Agosta 90Bs and 2 older Agosta 70s. A possibility exists that smaller sized 1,500 ton Scorpenes are what the Saudis may eventually buy.
The Saudis would have already noticed that nuclear tipped Pakistani Babur 3 submarine launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) are steadily maturing. With such weapons the Saudis may gain superiority over the more powerful conventional Iranian armed forces. Submarine Matters' March 9, 2017 Report to Donors contains more details about the nuclear tipped Babur SLCMs.
Pete