Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), which is part of EDGE – GROUP from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was awarded an AED (dirhams) 3.5 billion contract corresponding to approximately 782 million euros, to build four “Falaj 3” class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). 

The contract, which was awarded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and UAE Navy, is the largest-ever order received by ADSB.

Khalid Al Breiki, Chairman of ADSB and President – Mission Support, EDGE said: “This order represents a resounding vote of confidence in ADSB from the MOD and the UAE Navy. The contract will provide the company with a platform for sustainable profitable growth, while maintaining strategic national assets that are critical to the defence of the UAE.”

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ADSB had previously built the UAE Navy’s Baynunah-class corvettes, the last of which was delivered in 2017. 

“Bayunah” class corvette © ADSB

The “Falaj-3” is, according to the company, a highly flexible and versatile offshore patrol vessel used to carry out a wide range of missions including the protection of critical marine infrastructure.

Although no further details have been released about the “Falaj-3”, the company’s illustrations show that they can be equipped with anti-ship missiles, RAM close-in weapon systems (CIWS) as well as a naval gun. It is also noted that other models of OPVs made by ADSB are reported to be 65-70 meters long and can carry a crew up to 42.

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