UAE Coast Guard orders 10 OPVs for $434 million
The 10 P51MR-class order by the UAE Coast Guard will be build in Italy and the UAE. (Photo: EDGE Group)
A deal to supply 10 P51MR-class 51m offshore patrol vessels to the UAE Coast Guard was proceeded by the signing of an Abu Dhabi-based JV between Fincantieri and EDGE.
The UAE Coast Guard has ordered 10 P51MR-class 51m offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for €400 million (US$434 million).
Based on the Saettia-class, P51MR-class OPVs have been designed for high modularity and stability in rough seas. They will also offer a low-radar signal signature and what EDGE described as “high operational flexibility”.
EDGE Group chairman Faisal Al Bannai said the OPVs would be built at the company’s shipyards in Abu Dhabi and at Fincantieri’s facilities in Italy.
Related Articles
Fincantieri launches sixth Multipurpose Offshore Patrol ship for Italian Navy
Italy’s Fincantieri and UAE’s Edge Group sign for naval joint venture
How UAE defence giant EDGE Group plans to double its exports
The announcement of the deal followed the signing of an agreement between the UAE defence conglomerate and the Italian shipbuilding giant to launch an Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture (JV) called MAESTRAL.
EDGE will hold a 51% stake in the venture, which was first announced in February 2024, and will be awarded “prime rights” to orders on a commercial pipeline currently valued at €30 billion. EDGE will be given access to all non-NATO orders along with what it termed “a number of strategic orders placed by selected NATO member countries”.
“MAESTRAL will concentrate on sales, commercial operations and engineering for design and service, while providing valuable employment opportunities for highly skilled local and international talent,” EDGE noted.
Al Bannai said the JV with Fincantieri underscored the UAE company’s “strategy of international export growth through mutually beneficial partnerships”, as well as the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
“It also opens up opportunities for MAESTRAL to promote an extensive portfolio of diverse maritime solutions, including a complete series of technologically advanced vessels, to navies and coast guards around the world,” he added.
Fincantieri CEO and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said the JV would allow the Italian shipbuilder to seize opportunities in the UAE and develop its commercial capabilities “in the international defence sector in connection with Abu Dhabi export platform”.
Over the weekend, the launching ceremony for the logistic support ship (LSS) Atlante took place forming part of the Italian Navy’s fleet renewal plan.
Once completed, Atlante will be able to accommodate 235 crew and specialists. (Photo: Giovanni Rasio)
Atlante, scheduled for a 2025 delivery, will become the second unit of its type built for the Italian Navy following the delivery of Vulcano by Fincantieri in 2021. The ship will weigh approximately 27,000 tonnes and measure 193m in length.
The vessel will provide logistical, intelligence and electronic warfare equipment support to the Italian Navy, as well as offering non-military activity support via humanitarian and rescue aid operations.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Logistic Support Ship (2) [Italy]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter]()
US Coast Guard to invest more than $5 billion in the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter
From FY2026 to FY2029, the OPC programme will receive funds from the Reconciliation Bill and the Coast Guard annual budget.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
