Qatar Ministry of Interior has recently announced another contract award to Turkey’s ARES Shipyard for 3 (three) Fast Interceptor Craft to be delivered in early 2023. ARES continues its full support for maritime security operations of Qatar with the trust created by successfully delivering the whole new generation patrol boat fleet of Qatar Coast Guard comprising 31 (thirty-one) vessels within the last six years. The contract announcement was officially made by the Ministry of Interior during the MILIPOL Exhibition in Doha on 25 May 2022 where ARES Shipyard has for many years been the standing participant and exhibitor of the event.
Advanced composite hulled and IACS classed ARES 40 FIC Fast Interceptor Craft have quite a remarkable speed capability of 60 (sixty) knots to conduct fast interception, boarding, escorting missions as well as anti-human trafficking and anti-smuggling operations. With a range of over 250 nautical miles, ARES 40 FIC are capable of covering all Exclusive Economic Zones surrounding Qatar Peninsula.
The Fast Interceptor Craft has the capability of carrying remote-controlled and auto-stabilized 12.7 mm weapon stations supported with electro-optic sensors on the rooftop. ARES 40 HARPOON FIC has been designed for interception & interdiction operations, as well as anti-smuggling, SOF insertion and extraction, surveillance and patrolling missions with its high speed capability up to 50 knots. The vessel has a suite of naval communications equipment, electro-optic (E/O) sensors and X-Band Naval Radar.
Turkey’s “ARES Shipyard” has built up in over a decade to become the country’s fastest-growing company and its largest exporter of military and commercial vessels. By employing the latest technology in both construction techniques and design, ARES products lead the way in the fields of military and commercial sectors. Founded in 2006 by the Kalafato?lu family, ARES Shipyard was initially established to produce marine craft, based on the family’s long tradition of shipbuilding and sailing. In order to grow the company significantly, a strategic decision was taken to move into the military and commercial sectors, drawing on the company’s expertise in working with steel, aluminum and composite construction.
