Article Posted on : - Jun 12, 2012

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

MUGGIANO, ITALY (BNS): Italian shipbuilder Fincanteri has launched the second Falaj-2 class stealth patrol boat for the UAE Navy.

The vessel, named Qarnen, was launched at Fincanteri's Muggiano shipyard on June 8.

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

The first ship of the series, 'Ganthoot', was launched in January this year.

The new class of vessel will incorporate advanced stealth features to reduce its detection by radars. The 55 metres long and 8.60 wide boat will cruise at a top speed of 20 Knots and 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, Fincanteri said.

The shipbuilder is also constructing the Abu Dhabi class corvettes for UAE.