Edge Group launches the first ship "Corvette" Of its class for the Angolan Navy

Abu Dhabi, 10 March / WAM / The EDGE Group, one of the leading global companies in the field of advanced technology and defense, announced the launch of the first corvette frigate of its class (FOC) of the “BR71 MK II Combattante” model, named “NRA Ekuikui II”, as part of a strategic contract worth one billion euros for the Angolan Navy.

The inauguration took place in Cherbourg, France, where the first ship was designed and built by CMN Naval, a prestigious international group specializing in the design, engineering and construction of military and commercial ships and mega yachts.

Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of the EDGE Group, delivered six 12-meter fast interceptor boats, in addition to one of five 16-meter interceptor boats. These boats form part of the modern fleet of the Angolan Navy and its advanced capabilities, supporting vital maritime surveillance missions and national security objectives.

David Massey, CEO of Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding, said: “Through close cooperation with CMN and our international partners, we are achieving great achievements for the Angolan Navy at an accelerated pace. Only two years after signing the contract, the first 71-meter corvette has already been commissioned, and advanced interceptor boats have also been delivered. This will be followed by two additional ships, one of which will be built by CMN, while the other will be built by Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding in Abu Dhabi after the transfer.” Technology, and this momentum reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to enhancing maritime security in Angola.

Anavia, a subsidiary of the EDGE Group, is also integrating the HT100 NAVAL unmanned marine helicopter, designed in Switzerland, onto the BR71 MK II Combattante corvette. Each corvette will be equipped with two HT100 NAVAL unmanned aerial systems, equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. These systems will be fully integrated with the ship’s combat management systems.

Ishan Sahgal, founder and co-CEO of Anavia, said: We provide the Angolan Navy with an effective force multiplier that enhances its capabilities in the field of maritime surveillance, based on the advanced performance and high reliability of the “HT100” system, in addition to providing a control station specifically designed to meet the requirements of maritime operation, in addition to integrated logistical support services and training programs that ensure the highest levels of readiness and operational benefit.

The second ship, the BR71 MK II Combattante, is currently being built at the Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company’s facilities in Abu Dhabi, while the third ship is being built in Cherbourg, France.

Construction work on the third ship continues in the French city of Cherbourg, as part of an integrated program that distributes the production stages between the UAE and France to ensure the highest levels of quality and accelerate the pace of delivery.

The launch of the first ship of this class represents the latest milestone in the growing security partnership between Angola and the UAE. In October last year, the EDGE Group signed a letter of intent with the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Angola to deploy a comprehensive border security programme.

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