Naval Group launches second Gowind corvette for UAE
Naval Group launched UAE's second Gowind corvette, Al Emarat, in Lorient on 13 May. (Naval Group)
French shipbuilder Naval Group has launched the second Gowind 2500 corvette on order for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The new ship, named Al Emarat, was launched during a ceremony held at Naval Group's shipyard in Lorient on 13 May, the shipbuilder announced on 20 May. The launch follows that of first-in-class Bani Yas six months earlier on 4 December 2021.
Naval Group is building the two Gowind corvettes under a contract signed with the UAE in 2019.
The Gowind 2500 corvette has an overall length of 102 m, a 16 m beam, a full-load displacement of around 2,800 tonnes, and a maximum speed of 25.5 kt. It can accommodate 95 personnel and has an endurance of 21 days. The vessels can carry a 10-tonne helicopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and two 2.7 m rigid-hull inflatable boats.
The UAE corvettes are to be equipped with the Naval Group SETIS combat management system, MBDA Exocet anti-ship missiles, and Raytheon Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles for air defence.
As part of the contract, Naval Group is also providing training for the UAE Navy's crew that will be operating the corvettes.
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