"Abu Dhabi" ASW corvette and "Ghantut" FALAJ2 patrol vessel deliverd to United Arab Emirates Navy by Fincantieri's Muggiano Shipyard.
Abu Dhabi-class Corvette
The "Abu Dhabi class" project has evolved from the "Cigala Fulgosi" one, which led to the construction of four "Commandante" class ships for the Italian Navy. The contract also involves supplying the UAE Navy with logistical support and crew training. The vessel is 88 metres long with a 12 metre beam, has a full load displacement of 1650 tons, can reach a speed of 25 knots with a range of more than 3000 nautical miles at 14 knots (thanks to 2 diesel engines of 7000 kW each) and can accommodate a crew of about 70. This technologically advanced ship will be primarily engaged in patrolling and surveillance activities and could be used in anti-submarine, anti-air and surface actions.
Falaj 2
The two ships - "Ghantut" and "Salahah" the sister ship launched last June, whose names come from an area of the Emirates near Abu Dhabi - were ordered in 2010 as part of the "Falaj 2" program. Capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots, they are 55 metres long with a beam of 8.80 metres and can accommodate a crew of 29.
Their main feature is their special stealth design making them difficult to detect by radar. Other features of these ships include their high level of flexibility in being able to carry out different types of mission in national and international waters (from patrol and surveillance, to defence from air and surface threats and attacks against land and sea targets), as well as their high standards of accommodation and safety.
The contract provides the UAE Navy with an option for another two sister ships, as well as technology transfer to a local shipyard for possible construction of the sister vessels.
