Falaj 2-class patrol vessel
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Fincantieri |
| Operators |  United Arab Emirates Navy |
| Planned | 4 |
| Completed | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol boat |
| Displacement | 550 tonnes |
| Length | 55.7 m (182 ft 9 in) |
| Beam | 8.8 m (28 ft 10 in) |
| Draught | 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) |
| Propulsion | 2 × MTU diesels 16V 4000 M90 (2,720 kW each), 4 × Isotta Fraschini generators |
| Speed | >20 knots |
| Complement | 28 officers and crew |
| Sensors and processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
| Armament |
|
The Falaj 2 class are patrol boats of the United Arab Emirates Navy classified as stealth inshore patrol vessels (IPVs).[1]
Description
[edit]The Falaj 2 class is based on the Italian Diciotti-class offshore patrol vessel, in use with the Italian Coast Guard. The Diciotti class is based itself on the earlier experimental Saettia class, a missile attack boat demonstrator designed and built by Fincantieri.[2] The specifications require a highly flexible and versatile vessel to carry out a wide range of missions, from patrol and surveillance operations over attacks against both targets at sea and on land in national and international scenarios up to self-defence against threats from the air or surface. A special feature of the vessels is their particular stealth geometry to ensure their reduced radar detect ability.
History
[edit]The contract for Falaj 2-class vessels was signed 2009,[1] according to other sources 2010. It included the option for two more vessels to be built by Etihad Ship Building, a newly established joint venture based in Abu Dhabi between Fincantieri of Italy and the local firms Melara Middle East and Al Fattan Ship Industry.[3] The technology transfer is part of the order.
In May 2021 it was announced that Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) was assigned with the building of four Falaj-3 offshore patrol vessels for the UAE navy, highly flexible and versatile OPV planned to perform a wide range of missions.[4][5]
Ships
[edit]| Number | Pennant no | Name | Builder | Launched | Commissioned | Fleet | Home port | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | P251 | Ganthoot | La Spezia | 25 January 2012[6] | 8 January 2013 | unknown | unknown | In Service |
| 2 | P252 | Salahah | La Spezia | 8 June 2012[7] | 22 April 2013 | unknown | unknown | In Service |
Variants
[edit]At the beginning of June 2020, there were media reports in context of the sale of the two Bergamini-class FREMM frigates Spartaco Schergat and Emilio Bianchi to Egypt, according to which Egypt is also to receive 20 patrol boats modelled on the Falaj-2 class as part of a large package.[8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Naval Vessel. Fincatieri product overview. |accessdate=2012-03-03.
- ^ "Saettia MK4, Diciotti Class Patrol Vessel, Iraq". naval-technology.com. Retrieved 2012-03-03.
- ^ Mini submarines to be built in capital. "The National". |accessdate=2012-03-03.
- ^ "ADSB awarded Dh3.5b contract to build 4 patrol vessels". Khaleej Times. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
- ^ "UAE awards local firm ADSB $950 mln naval patrol vessel contract". Nasdaq, Inc. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
- ^ "Fincantieri Launches the "Ganthoot", First of Two Falaj 2 class Stealth Patrol Vessel for the UAE Nav". naval-technology.com. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
- ^ "SECOND PATROL VESSEL FOR THE EAU NAVY LAUNCHED: THE "QARNEN"". naval-technology.com. 8 June 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
- ^ "Italian government reportedly approves frigate sale to Egypt". janes.com. 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2021-09-23.
- ^ "Italian-Egyptian arms deal: (At least) two FREMM frigates go to the Nile". defenceweb.co.za. 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2021-09-23.