TSAMTO, October 4. Fincantieri Company announced the technical launching ceremony of the third Al-Zubarah class corvette, Al Khor, held on September 30 at the company in Mugiano (La Spezia).
The corvettes were ordered by the Ministry of Defense of Qatar as part of the national modernization program of the Qatari fleet.
The ceremony was held in a limited format due to restrictions due to the COVID-2019 pandemic. It is planned that the delivery of the corvette to the customer will be completed in 2022.
As reported by TSAMTO, on June 16, 2016, Fincantieri and MBDA signed contracts with the command of the Qatar Navy for the supply of warships and weapons systems for them in the amount of about 5 billion. euro. Fincantieri's share in the contract is about 4 billion. euro. The Italian Leonardo group will supply artillery systems, radar systems and electronics for the ships.
Under the terms of the contract, Fincantieri is to build 7 new-generation surface ships, including four corvettes, one amphibious helicopter dock ship (LPD - Landing Platform Dock), two OPV coastal patrol vessels (Offshore Patrol Vessel), as well as provide related services. All ships must be built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri within 6 years, starting in 2018. The agreement also includes servicing of all ships in Qatar for 10 years after delivery.
Cutting of steel for the construction of the lead corvette, Al-Zubarah, began in July 2018, launching took place in February 2020. As planned, it will be handed over to the customer by the end of 2021.
The lead patrol ship OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) was launched in February 2019, the second in June 2021.
As stated, the Al-Zubarah-class corvette is designed in accordance with RINAMIL standards. It is designed to perform various tasks, from reconnaissance to participation in combat operations. The length of the corvette is about 107 m, width - 14.7 m, displacement - 3250 tons. The corvette is equipped with a combined CODAD-type powerplant, the maximum design speed is 28 knots, the cruising range is 3,500 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots. 112 people can be accommodated on board, there are places for RHIB boats. The flight deck and hangar are designed for one NH90 helicopter. Presumably, the armament will include a 76-mm Super Rapid AU, a VPU with 16 Aster-30 Block-1 missiles, 8 MM40 Block-3 PKR, a Mk.49 RAM SAM, two Marlin-WS DUMV of the Leonardo group.
