Fincantieri delivers first Qatari Musherib-class OPV
Musherib is the first of two new OPVs for Qatar. (Photo: Fincantieri)
Fincantieri on 31 January announced the delivery of the first-in-class Musherib-class OPV to the Qatari MoD.
Musherib is the first of a class of two OPVs ordered from Fincantieri as part of a €4 billion ($4.48 billion) naval acquisition programme which also includes four Al Zubarah-class corvettes and an LPD.
The OPV class measures 63m long and can reach a top speed of 30kts.
The second-in-class Sheraouh was launched in June 2021 and is also scheduled to be delivered this year.
Shephard Defence Insight notes the vessels are based on Fincantieri's 60m Fast Attack Craft but will be equipped with eight additional vertical launch system cells of MBDA's MICA surface to air missiles.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.