EDGE Group has marked progress on its eight-vessel missile boat program for Kuwait’s navy, laying the keel for a third vessel and starting steel cutting for two more in Singapore.
The milestones took place at the Benoi Yard of ST Engineering Marine, which is building three of the vessels in partnership with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), EDGE’s naval shipbuilding subsidiary. The remaining five are under construction in the United Arab Emirates.
EDGE signed the $2.45-billion contract with Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence in June 2025. The agreement covers the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the fleet, along with ammunition and logistical and in-service support.
“Reaching three milestones in a single ceremony reflects the momentum we have built across the Al Dorra programme,” ADSB CEO David Massey said.
Al Dorra Program
The Al Dorra program will supply Kuwait’s navy with eight 62-meter (203-foot) missile boats designed for its maritime defense requirements. Building the fleet across shipyards in Singapore and the UAE allows EDGE and its partners to advance construction at both locations.
The program has also moved forward with contracts for key onboard systems.
In July, Rheinmetall secured a multi-million-euro contract to supply its Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS). The decoy systems are designed to protect vessels against anti-ship missiles and other guided threats, with deliveries scheduled to conclude in the second quarter of 2029.
In June, French company HGH announced it would supply infrared surveillance systems for all eight vessels. The systems are intended to provide surveillance capabilities and will be integrated with the combat management system supplied by Italy’s Leonardo.
Earlier, in May, Leonardo won a 320-million-euro ($370-million) contract to provide naval combat management and defense systems for Kuwait’s Al Dorra missile boat program.
