United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense company EDGE Group has inked a $2.45-billion contract to supply Kuwait with eight Falaj-3 naval patrol vessels.
The contract covers the vessel design and construction, sea trials, delivery, logistics, and in-service support, with EDGE calling it “hugely significant both in scale and strategic importance.“
“It deepens long-term defence ties between our nations, brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service, and reinforces EDGE’s position as a trusted international partner,” company CEO Hamad Al Marar said.
Located in the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait and the UAE are both Gulf Cooperation Council members sharing similar maritime threats from destabilizing actors.
Late last year, Kuwait contracted the Emirati company to provide reconstruction, repair, development, upgrade services for its existing vessels, to train its personnel.
Made for Air, Surface, and Sub-Surface Warfare
The 62.7-meter (205 feet), stealth-configured Falaj-3 patrol vessel is capable of operating in both littoral and open waters, strengthening Kuwait’s naval deterrence and coastal defense capabilities.
It is 9.5 meters (31 feet) wide, has a depth of 4.45 meters (14 feet), a draft of 2.6 meters (8 feet), and carries a crew of 39.
Based on the Fearless-class patrol boats from Singapore’s ST Engineering, the Falaj-3 features a reduced radar cross-section, infrared and acoustic signatures, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection.
The ship runs on four high-powered engines using four propellers, achieving a speed of over 25 knots (46 kilometers/28 miles per hour) and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (2,301 miles/3,704 kilometers) at 16 knots, as well as four generators for 1.2 megawatts of power.
It is equipped with an advanced combat management system, onboard decoy launchers, a rigid hull inflatable boat, and various weapons including missiles, rockets, and medium-caliber guns, enabling it to perform air, surface, and sub-surface warfare roles.
