UAE’s EDGE wins €1 billion contract to build frigates

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The "Edge" group has signed a huge contract worth one billion euros (Dhs4 billion), according to which the shipbuilding company "Abu Dhabi Ship Building" will build a fleet of advanced frigates with a length of 71 meters for the Angolan Navy.

The BR71 MKII frigate is a highly advanced ship equipped with modern mission systems including 3D radar, electronic warfare suite and secure communications, main gun and surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.

Khaled Al-Buraiki, Head of Platforms and Systems Sector at EDGE, said: “The signing of the €1 billion defense export deal represents a very important achievement for EDGE and ADSB. This demonstrates our strategic approach and firm commitment to increasing national exports, in line with the directives of the wise leadership of the country.”

By exporting advanced solutions made in the UAE, EDGE is working to develop a local defense industrial base, create local value, diversify the economy, and consolidate the UAE's position as an important global player in the defense and advanced technology sectors.

Perform multiple tasks

David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “ADSB is extremely proud to have signed the €1 billion export deal. The BR71 MKII frigate is a highly advanced ship, capable of performing multiple missions to secure Angola's 1,600km coastline. We look forward to meeting the operational requirements of the Angolan Navy, enhancing its maritime capabilities, as well as expanding the growth areas of Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company.”

ADSB owns a state-of-the-art 330,000 square meter shipyard in Abu Dhabi, where it builds frigates, patrol boats and fast patrol boats for military customers, and commercial vessels for the oil services sector. The company also offers a full range of maintenance, repair, retooling, refurbishment and conversion services, as well as design and engineering consultancy services.