On 21 February 2023 Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), an entity operating under the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) EDGE Group, announced at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023) in Abu Dhabi that it has been awarded an AED 175 M (EUR 44.94 M) contract to provide inshore patrol craft for the UAE’s Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA).
The contract involves production of ADSB’s 120 Fast Inshore Platform (FIP) and 160 Inshore Tactical Engagement Platform (ITEP). The number of craft ordered was not specified, but ADSB noted that the deal “marks the first local order of the company’s UAE-made vessels”.
The 12.8 m-long 120 FIP displaces around 5.5 tonnes and, propelled by three 400 HP outboard engines, can reach speeds in excess of 60 KN. Typically operated by a crew of six, the vessel is armed with two 12.7 mm machine guns: one forward and one aft.
The 16 m-long 160 ITEP features a deep V-hull, displaces around 17 tonnes and can reach speeds in excess of 45 KN. It is propelled by two waterjets driven by a pair of 1,000 HP inboard diesel engines (although a version propelled by four 350 HP outboard engines is also available). Typically operated by a crew of four plus two gunners, the vessel is armed with a 12.7 mm remote weapon station on top of the cabin as well as a rocket launcher and two 7.62 mm machine guns on the aft deck.
Both vessels are designed for high-speed pursuit, fast interception, search-and-rescue and general patrol missions.
NAVDEX 2023 is running alongside the IDEX 2023 defence exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi from 20 to 24 February 2023.
Peter Felstead
