Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) announced the award of a contract to fit state-of-the-art satellite communications systems to the complete fleet of UAE Navy Baynunah class corvettes.

The announcement by ADSB and YahSat, two of Mubadala’s defense-related companies, took place during the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) 2013 which took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 17th - 21st February.

Under the terms of the contract ADSB will install equipment supplied by YahSat and leading communications company Rohde & Schwarz to the fleet, while additional project technical support will be provided by CMN and SELEX.

ADSB is the prime contractor on the project and will be responsible for vessel modification and installation of the equipment. The company is currently leading the region’s largest naval shipbuilding program to construct six Baynunah Class Corvettes for the UAE Navy and has added a new modern composite facility as part of its on-going business expansion program.

Ian Pike, Chief Executive Officer of ADSB, said: “We are delighted to expand our work for the UAE Navy in relation to the fleet of Baynunah Class corvettes. This contract demonstrates the synergies that exist between the defense-related companies in the wider Mubadala group of companies and the mutual benefits they create for our customers.”

Yahsat provides multipurpose satellite solutions for government and commercial purposes for broadband, broadcast, military, and communications use across the Middle East, Africa, Central and South West Asia.

Tareq Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of YahSat, said: “Network security and uninterrupted service are constant concerns for maritime customers – our solution is designed to provide connectivity and real-time data to meet their needs. We look forward to working closely with our partners at ADSB to provide the UAE Navy with a truly complementary service.”