The Abu Dhabi (hull number P 191) is anti-submarine corvette for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy. Designed and built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, the “Abu Dhabi” corvette has been developed from the “Cigala Fulgosi ” design on the basis of which four “Comandanti” class vessels were built for the Italian Navy. This cutting edge ship will mainly carry out patrolling and surveillance activities and may be employed in antisubmarine, anti-aircraft and surface activities.
The Abu Dhabi was ordered in July 2009 under a contract that includes training, logistic support and an option for a second corvette. It was largely built at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso yard in northern Italy and transferred to Muggiano for launch, final outfitting and combat system integration. The Abu Dhabi is 88 metres long and displaces 1,650 tonnes. The corvette can reach a speed of 25 knots with a range of more than 3,000 nautical miles at 14 knots and will have a crew of about 70. The ship’s weapons systems include four MM40 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missiles produced by Europe’s MBDA company, a Super Rapid 76mm naval gun and two 30mm Marlin weapons stations..
This technologically advanced ship will be primarily engaged in patrolling and surveillance activities and could be used in anti-submarine, anti-air and surface actions. It will be able to exchange tactical data in real time with other naval vessels, helicopters and land bases and will provide support to UAE Navy helicopters. In addition to highly flexible operational capabilities, the vessel also features high standards of safety and accommodation for the comfort of its crew. The UAE navy was originally created as a coastal force. But, along with those of Saudi Arabia and Oman, it has been building a deepwater capability to operate in the Arabian Sea outside the Gulf, where the maritime threat, primarily from Iran, has grown in recent years.
