Naval Group has handed over the second Gowind-class multi-mission corvette to the UAE Navy in Lorient, western France.
The ship, Al Emarat, will house its crew in France in July as Naval Group provides training to ensure the proper integration of the corvette into the force.
It is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi by August.
The Al Emarat is scheduled to take on a variety of sea missions, including littoral, unmanned vehicle deployment, and anti-submarine warfare drills.
The ship is a part of an $850-million contract signed in 2019 for the UAE’s acquisition of two new corvettes, with options for two more.
A Modular Naval Solution
The Gowind-class ships’ scalability was prioritized during its design process to allow operators to incorporate newer capabilities into the vessels.
All ships are integrated with Naval Group’s SETIS combat system and Panoramic Sensor & Intelligence Module mast, as well as armaments that include a naval automatic gun, automated cannon, and triple tornado launchers.
They can also deploy unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles, and a 10-ton-class helicopter from their aft deck.
There are currently 11 of the class serving various naval forces, including the Argentinian and Egyptian navies.