Qatar expects imminent OPV delivery
Musherib (P61) was launched at Fincantieri's La Spezia shipyard in September 2020 and started sea trials in April 2021. She is now ready to enter service with the QEN. (Photo: Fincantieri)
With the high-profile FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon this year, Qatar wants to enhance maritime security with new OPVs and other high-end warships.
The Qatari Emiri Navy (QEN) will receive its first new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from Fincantieri at the end of January.
A spokesperson for the Italian shipbuilder told Shephard that the OPV, named Musherib (P61), will be delivered this month. It will be followed by Sheraouh (P62), which was launched in June 2021; the spokesperson confirmed that Fincantieri expects to deliver this vessel in mid-2022.
The OPVs are being built under a €4 billion ($4.67 billion) contract signed between the shipbuilder and the Qatar Emiri Armed Forces in June 2016 that also includes four Al Zubarah-class corvettes, a Landing Platform Dock (LPD)
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry]()
France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry
Ahead of Euronaval 2026, major submarine, frigate and aircraft carrier programmes are driving investment, while future corvette replacements and growing interest in uncrewed vessels offer further opportunities for industry into the 2030s and beyond.
