Two more corvettes for ADSB

The UAE Armed Forces confirmed its option under the ?BAYNUNAH? program for two additional 72m naval corvettes to be built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB). This brings the total number of ships ordered on the contract to ADSB for this program to six.

The ?Baynunah? Class vessels are highly advanced, 72 meter naval corvettes designed by Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie (CMN) of Cherbourg, France, who is acting as a main subcontractor to Abu Dhabi Ship Building for the design as well as for construction of the first vessel platform in CMN premises. CMN is also providing technology transfer and supply of related logistics and training services under the same subcontract. ADSB is providing the entire combat systems for all six ships and the other five vessel platforms will be built at the ADSB shipyard in the Mussafah Industrial Area of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

These corvettes will have the capability to perform a wide range of military operations and will be the largest steel-hulled naval vessels ever built using only water jet propulsion. Three water jets, two steerable and one booster, will be powered by four diesel engines, providing impressive maneuverability, a smooth ride even in rough seas and speeds of over 30 knots. Furthermore, by using the latest in on-board automation, the size of the ship?s crew has been substantially reduced providing important manpower savings to the UAE Navy.