Naval Group has delivered the UAE Navy’s first Gowind-class multi-mission corvette, the “Bani Yas,” in Lorient, France.
The vessel is part of a 2019 contract seeking two new platforms for the service. Although the deal amount was not disclosed, a report from Defense News stated that the UAE invested $850 million in the orders.
An option for two additional corvettes was included in the agreement.
The plan to pursue the program was announced in 2017, with local company Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company serving as Naval Group’s partner.
The Bani Yas was launched in 2021 and will sail to its UAE homeport by December following the delivery ceremony.
The second platform, “Al Emarat,” was launched in May 2022 and will shortly begin sea trials in France.
“This day marks a symbolic milestone: the delivery of the Bani Yas Gowind Combat corvette, first unit of this program,” Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommellet stated.
“Bani Yas and Al Emarat Gowind Combat corvettes are made to be the best answer to the UAE Naval Forces operational requirements.”
“This program symbolizes our joint commitment to deliver the best and is for sure the first step in a strong cooperation and long term strategic partnership with the UAE.”
Gowind-Class Corvettes
According to Naval Group, UAE’s Gowind corvettes were manufactured with a modular design to address advanced and evolving threats at sea, underwater, and in the air.
The ships incorporate the company’s proprietary SETIS on-board combat management system, Raytheon’s Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air interceptors, MBDA’s Exocet anti-ship missiles, as well as Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Modules.
Each vessel will have a 16-meter (52 feet) beam, an overall length of 102 meters (335 feet), and a displacement of 2,800 tons.
