UAE Navy to receive naval systems from Finmeccanica

Finmeccanica has been awarded a contract to supply naval systems to be fitted onto the two new stealth patrol vessels known as "Falaj 2", which have been ordered to Fincantieri by the United Arab Emirates navy. Specifically, SELEX Sistemi Integrati has been chosen to supply naval systems and to integrate the combat system. The agreement also includes an option for two further vessels of the same class. SELEX Sistemi Integrati will provide IPN-S command and control systems, NA 30S fire control systems, KRONOS 3D radar systems and SIR-M secondary radar systems. A key element of the contract is the KRONOS multi-role solid-state 3D radar, designed and completely developed by SELEX Sistemi Integrati and based on the company's experience with EMPAR, the naval radar system used by the Italian navy and by other foreign customers. The selection of the KRONOS radar systems by the United Arab Emirates represents a great international sales success for this type of radar, which has many competitive advantages over its rivals in the same class. As part of the contract, SELEX Communications will supply a secure communications system to include both the voice communications component in HF and V/UHF frequencies and the data and messaging component. Furthermore, each patrol vessel will be fitted with a full stealth version of the Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval gun. Finmeccanica was previously selected by the UAE navy to supply - through its subsidiaries SELEX Sistemi Integrati, SELEX Communications, Oto Melara and WASS - naval and underwater systems for a new Abu Dhabi class ship of the UAE navy.