United Arab Emirates Navy

United Arab Emirates Navy
Founded	1971
Country
Size	2,500 personnel
Garrison/HQ	Abu Dhabi
Insignia
Ensign

The United Arab Emirates Navy is small force of about 2,500 personnel. It maintains 12 well-equipped coastal patrol boats and eight missile boats. Although primarily concerned with coastal defense, the Navy is constructing a six-unit class of blue water corvettes in conjunction with French shipbuilder CMN.^[1] The UAE maintains a small battalion-sized marine force called the UAE Marines equipped with BMP-3 armoured personnel carriers.

Swedish shipbuilder Swede Ship Marine have built four 24 m Amphibious Troop Transport Vessel and one 25 m Fast Supply Vessel for the U.A.E Navy (delivered between 2003 and 2005).^[2] Three additional vessels are being built by Swede Ship Marine for the U.A.E Navy (see Future Navy).

Present naval strength

^{[when?][citation needed]}

• 2 MGB 62 corvettes - 630 tons full load - 8 MM-40 SSM, 1X8 Crotale SAM - commissioned 1990-1 - SA 316 Helo
• 6 TNC 45 fast attack craft - 260 tons full load - 4 MM-40 SSM - commissioned 1980-1
• 2 Mubarraz class fast attack craft - 260 tons full load - 4 MM-40 SSM - commissioned 1990
• 6 Ardhana class patrol craft - 175 tons full load - commissioned 1975-6
• 20 patrol boats fast 4 tons
• 2 Type-332 Frankenthal class minehunter MHC
• 7 LCT landing craft tank
• 5 LCU Landing Craft Utility
• 16 LCP
• 4 other ships

Future Navy

In January 2004, Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding were awarded a contract to build a new class of multipurpose missile corvette, the Baynunah class. The contract is for six corvettes. One has been completed, but is undergoing sea trials. The Baynunah class will replace the six Ardhana class large patrol boats. The Kortenear class frigates where decommissioned in 2006 and are being rebuilt to yachts.

In 2009, it was announced that a 1,650 ton corvette, the Abu-Dhabi class, will be built. One is under contract, with an option for a second.^[3]

One 26 m Offshore Patrol Vessel, one 24 m Amphibious Troop Transport Vessel and one 24 m Patrol Vessel is under construction for the U.A.E Navy.^[4]

See also

• Military of United Arab Emirates

References

1. ^ United Arab Emirates (06/07)
2. ^ http://www.swedeship.se/defaultpage.aspx?pageid=69
3. ^ http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/08/19/Fincantieri-to-build-UAE-corvette/UPI-67531250706880/
4. ^ http://www.swedeship.se/defaultpage.aspx?pageid=69