Article Posted on : - Jun 17, 2016

ROME (BNS): Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has bagged a contract to build seven new surface ships for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces.

The contract for four corvettes, one Landing Platform Deck (LPD) and two Off-shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) is worth around 4 billion euros ($4.47 billion), the shipbuilder announced on June 16.

While Fincantieri will be the prime contractor, defence conglomerate Leonardo-Finmeccanica will supply the shipbuilder with the latest generation of naval systems, including combat system, and sensors for the seven new vessels.

"Leonardo will be responsible for the integrated supply of the new naval units' combat system, main radars and on-board sensors and defence sub-systems, including 76/62 medium calibre and 30mm small calibre weapon systems, the anti-torpedo protection system, the Thesan mine avoidance sonar and, in cooperation with MBDA, the missile system," the company said.

The supply also includes long-term, integrated logistics support activities, it added.

Qatar will deploy the new naval ships for maritime surveillance and patrolling duties in territorial waters and in the exclusive economic zone.

Construction of the ships will begin in 2018.