Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the leading shipbuilder and naval support services provider in the Gulf region and a strategic affiliate of Mubadala, has announced the launch of “Al Dhafra”, the third vessel of the Baynunah Corvette Class Program for the UAE Navy. Abu Dhabi Ship Building further revealed that it has now completed over 70% of the ship, which is a significant milestone by naval shipbuilding standards for vessels at the launch stage.

The Baynunah Corvette Class Program consists of 6 state-of-the-art warships for the UAE Navy which are fitted with latest technology combat systems and capable of defence against both air and surface threats. Each of the 71-metre highly-advanced corvettes can be deployed for various missions, including coastal patrol and surveillance, mine detection and avoidance, helicopter operations, and peacetime patrols.

Homaid Al Shemmari, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ship Building, said: "The Baynunah Corvette Class Program represents the great advances that we have achieved in terms of shipbuilding capabilities and maritime technology. Abu Dhabi Ship Building believes that it is crucially important to maintain such world-class shipbuilding expertise within the region to take full advantage of the highly strategic location of the GCC. We are therefore confident that this project will help open more opportunities for Abu Dhabi Ship Building and the UAE Navy to collaborate on other important projects in the future."

Mohamed Salem Al Junaibi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ship Building, commented: “Today’s launch is a testament to our partnership strategy – where Abu Dhabi Ship Building has worked closely in conjunction with the UAE Navy, CMN and major equipment suppliers from all around the world.  We are pleased to be working in such a strong partnership that works together to ensure a successful program.”

The Baynunah Corvette Warships are being built to stringent specifications and the highest quality standards in the naval shipbuilding industry. Each vessel will be equipped with a range of highly advanced features including a stealth-looking superstructure, helicopter landing deck and hangar, 8 Exocet Anti-ship Missiles, 4 Vertical Launchers for short-range air-defence missiles, Hull-mounted Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar, 3D Surveillance, Navigation and Fire Control Radars; and a Multi-vendor electronic warfare suite.

All corvette vessels are expected to be delivered to the UAE Navy by 2014.

The Baynunah Program is being undertaken at the world class Abu Dhabi Ship Building facility in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The first of the Baynunah vessels was built at CMN's Cherbourg yard under a subcontract agreement with Abu Dhabi Ship Building. The second Baynunah vessel, named 'Al Hesen', was launched recently and is now undergoing test and trials through 2011.