UAE Takes Double Delivery Of Warships, Patrol Vessels

The UAE took delivery of two naval warships, the Abu Dhabi Class corvette and the ‘ghantut’ patrol vessel, in a ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano ,La Spezia on Jan 8, 2013.                 

Both vessels have proven safety and flexibility in carrying out various missions including air, land and sea defence and surveillance and threat repulsion in national and international waters. The contract also includes logistical support and crew training for the UAE Navy.

The Abu Dhabi class corvette was a part of the Cigala Fulgosi project, contracted for the Italian Navy. The vessel is 88 metres long, has a 1650 ton full load displacement and can reach speeds of 25 knots, accommodating a crew of 70. 

Patrolling and surveillance activities would be the main focus of the corvette and it will be primarily engaged in anti-submarine, anti-air and surface actions. Exchange of tactical data with other centers and providing support to the UAE Navy helicopters would be the other activities it would perform. 

The ‘Ghantut’ patrol vessel was ordered in 2010 as part of the ‘Falaj 2’ program. The vessel is 55 mts. long, has a speed in excess of 20 knots and can accommodate a crew of 29. The vessels main feature is its stealth design, making it undetectable by radar. The ship is also highly flexible in carrying out various missions.

Besides the purchase of these two, the current contract also allows the UAE Navy to purchase two sister ships and enables technology transfer to a local shipyard for the sister vessel’s construction.