The UAE Navy has awarded a contract to Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) to provide satellite communications systems under the Baynunah-class multipurpose missile corvette programme.
Under the contract, equipment delivered by YahSat and Rohde & Schwarz will be modified and installed onboard the Baynunah-class ship fleet by ADSB.
In addition, Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) and SELEX will deliver additional project technical support for the programme.
YahSat chief executive officer Tareq Al Hosani said: "Network security and uninterrupted service are constant concerns for maritime customers, our solution has been designed to provide connectivity and real-time data to meet their needs."
In January 2004, the UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed orders with ADSB to develop and deliver four Baynunah-class multipurpose missile corvettes with an option for additional two vessels, which was exercised in July 2005 in a $1bn deal.
The Baynunah-class corvettes will support missions such as patrol and surveillance, minelaying, interception and other anti-surface warfare operations for the UAE in territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
Featuring a stealthy structure, the corvettes are armed with the Mk48 vertical launcher for Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), Mk49 mod3 21-cell RAM launcher for the RAM block 1A missile system, as well as the main gun Oto Melara 76/62mm Super Rapide.
Capable of accommodating 55 officers and other crew members, the ships are equipped with electronic warfare suite comprising NLWS310 laser warning systems, Elettronica SLR-736E radar electronic support measures systems (ESM) and Thales Altesse communications ESM.
The UAE Navy is expected to receive all six corvettes by 2014, as reported by marinelink.com.
Image: Illustration of Baynunah-class corvette. Photo: file image.
