TSAMTO, November 2. Fincantieri has announced the transfer to the Qatar Defense Ministry of the Doha-class lead corvette, Al-Zubarah, ordered as part of the national modernization program of the Qatari fleet.
As reported in the press release of the Italian company, the ceremony of the official transfer of the corvette took place on October 28 at the company in Mugiano (La Spezia) in the presence of the Fincantieri leadership, the armed forces of Italy and Qatar.
As previously reported by TSAMTO, Fincantieri and MBDA signed contracts with the command of the Qatari Navy on June 16, 2016 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.
Steel cutting for the construction of the lead corvette, Al-Zubarah, began at the end of July 2018, launching took place in February 2020.
The second ship of the series, Damsah, was launched on February 13, 2021, and the third, Al Khor, was launched on September 30, 2021. It is planned that the delivery of these corvettes to the customer will be completed in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The keel of the fourth ship of the series, Sumaysimah, was laid on February 13, 2021.
The lead patrol ship OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) was launched in February 2019, the second in June 2021. Their delivery to the customer is scheduled for 2022-2023.
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. It will be equipped with a combined CODAD-type powerplant. The estimated maximum speed is 28 knots, the cruising range is 3,500 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots. There are places on board to accommodate up to 112 people of the landing party, as well as high-speed RHIB boats. The flight deck and hangar are designed to accommodate one NH-90 helicopter. 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.
