A major shift in naval defense strategy is unfolding in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia has signed a record‑setting contract to buy advanced MU90 lightweight torpedoes from Italy’s WASS Submarine Systems. This deal is not just a weapons purchase. It signals Riyadh’s push to build a more capable and modern navy, while strengthening long‑term defense ties with European partners.
The agreement, worth more than 200 million euros, is the largest in WASS’s 150‑year history and marks a new high in Saudi military procurement. Delivered at the prestigious World Defence Show in Riyadh, it reflects deepening military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and European defense firms and highlights shifting priorities in maritime security amid regional tensions.
Historic Contract Signed at World Defence Show
In early February, officials from Italy and Saudi Arabia gathered in Riyadh to announce the landmark deal. Representatives included Andrea Adorni, CEO of WASS, and Ibrahim bin Ahmed al‑Suwayed, Deputy Minister of Armaments and Procurement for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense. The ceremony underscored the strategic significance the Kingdom places on this contract and its impact on future naval capabilities.
At more than 200 million euros, this contract is the largest in the entire history of the WASS submarine systems division. It overtakes previous records and follows a recent important agreement with the Indian Navy.
The deliveries are planned for 2029 and 2030, giving the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) time to integrate these weapons into its fleet. Production and management of the torpedoes will be overseen by WASS’s facility in Livorno, Italy, known internationally as a center of excellence in underwater systems.
What Makes the MU90 Torpedo Strategic
This contract is focused on the MU90 lightweight torpedo, a third‑generation anti‑submarine weapon regarded as one of the most capable in its class. The MU90 is designed for a range of tasks across multiple environments, from deep ocean warfare to littoral (coastal) missions, making it well‑suited for modern deterrence and defense.
Key features that make MU90 highly valued include:
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Compatibility with different platforms, including surface ships, helicopters, and fixed‑wing aircraft.
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A design optimized for anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) missions.
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Deployment flexibility, allowing rapid response to underwater threats.
The torpedo is in use with more than ten navies worldwide, including the Italian Navy and several NATO partners. Its proven performance and adaptability have made it a benchmark in lightweight anti‑submarine weapons.
Strengthening Saudi Naval Power
For Saudi Arabia, the MU90 acquisition is a clear step toward boosting the RSNF’s anti‑submarine capabilities amid evolving regional challenges. In recent years, the Gulf has seen rising maritime security concerns, ranging from tensions in the Red Sea to broader dynamics in the Persian Gulf. Enhancing underwater defense tools is a strategic priority for Riyadh’s long‑term defense planning.
This purchase fits into Saudi Arabia’s broader naval modernization efforts, which also include other advanced maritime procurement, such as new aircraft adapted for maritime patrol and armed missions. These developments point to an integrated approach to sea control and surveillance over key shipping routes and territorial waters.
Experts say that equipping its naval forces with cutting‑edge torpedoes and complementary assets places Saudi Arabia in a stronger position to deter hostile submarines and protect its interests in regional waters.
Impact on Italy‑Saudi Defense Ties
The deal represents more than a weapons sale. It reflects growing defense cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia, an important relationship for both countries. Saudi Arabia is looking to diversify its defense partnerships beyond traditional suppliers, and European firms like Fincantieri — the parent of WASS — are gaining footholds as trusted suppliers of advanced military systems.
The agreement lays groundwork for future industrial cooperation, including logistic support services and potential technology transfers. Observers note that such collaborations may pave the way for Saudi Arabia to expand its own defense industry through partnerships and local production opportunities.
Fincantieri opened a regional arm in Riyadh in 2024, signaling its long‑term commitment to Saudi maritime and industrial development. This contract further solidifies that presence, providing Saudi Arabia both capability enhancements and strategic industrial ties.
What Comes Next
The MU90 deal creates a foundation for deeper engagement between the two countries and boosts Saudi Arabia’s maritime defense profile. Deliveries beginning in 2029 will require extensive planning and upgrades among the Royal Saudi Naval Force’s platforms to fully integrate the torpedoes into operations.
Saudi defense analysts have noted that anti‑submarine warfare is a rising priority for the Kingdom, especially as naval threats from advanced submarines in the region grow more sophisticated.
The contract also highlights how global defense trade is adapting, with Gulf states investing heavily in high‑end Western systems to secure their waters and project influence. For WASS and Fincantieri, this victory not only increases revenues but marks a strategic breakthrough into a vital defense market.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to field these new torpedoes, the impact on its naval strategy and regional maritime security will begin to take shape in the coming decade.
