Article Posted on : - Jan 24, 2012

An artistic illustration of Falaj-2 class stealth patrol vessel. A Fincanteri photo

MUGGIANO, ITALY (BNS): Italian shipbuilding company Fincanteri has launched the first of two Falaj-2 class stealth patrol vessels for the UAE Navy.

The vessel, named Ganthoot, was launched at Fincanteri's Muggiano shipyard recently, the shipbuilder announced on Monday.

UAE had contracted Fincanteri in 2010 to build two Falaj-2 class stealth patrol vessels. The deal included an option for two more such ships and technology transfer to a local shipyard to build the additional vessels.

The new class of vessels will feature advanced stealth features to reduce their detection. With a length of 55 metres and a top speed of 20 Knots, each ship will accommodate a crew of 28.

Highly flexible and versatile, the ships will be designed to carrying out a range of missions -- from patrol and surveillance operations to self-defence from aerial and ground threats and attack against both targets at sea and on land -- in national and international scenarios.

The first ship is expected to be delivered to the UAE Navy later this year.