EDGE Group has announced a 1-billion-euro ($1.1-billion) contract to produce and deliver corvettes for the Angolan Navy.
The contract was awarded during the International Defense Exhibition 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the deal, shipbuilder Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) will build a fleet of three 71-meter (233-foot) “best-in-class” Mk II corvettes for the African nation.
Each will have cutting-edge mission systems, including 3D radar, an electronic warfare suite, and a secure communications system.
The vessels will also be equipped with a main gun, surface-to-surface missiles, and surface-to-air missiles to support combat operations.
“Signing a 1 billion euro defense export deal represents a momentous achievement for EDGE as well as ADSB,” conglomerate president Khalid Al Breiki said. “This demonstrates our strategic approach and steadfast commitment to increasing national exports in line with the UAE leadership’s directive.”
‘Highly Advanced Vessel’
First introduced in 2015, the BR71 Mk II is an advanced variant of the Baynunah-class corvette designed for the UAE Navy.
It can perform maritime patrol, surveillance, and littoral warfare missions against air-based and surface threats.
The vessel also features a large helicopter platform to support a 5-ton chopper day and night.
ADSB chief executive officer David Massey described the Mk II as a “highly advanced” maritime platform that can secure Angola’s 1,600-kilometer (994-mile) coastline.
“We look forward to fulfilling the Angolan Navy’s operational requirements and strengthening their naval capabilities while expanding ADSB’s avenues of growth,” he said.
Work for the contract will be performed at ADSB’s advanced 330,000 square-meter (3,552,090 square-foot) shipyard in Abu Dhabi.