The UAE Navy commissioned a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) into service during a ceremony on Wednesday, February 19.
Altaf is the lead ship of the Falaj 3-class OPVs built by UAE company the EDGE Group via its Abu Dhabi Ship Building division. Singapore-based ST Engineering is providing the basic, detail design, and production design of all four vessels in the class as well as technical assistance.
The OPV has an LOA of 60 metres, a moulded beam of 9.5 metres, a draught of 2.6 metres, a depth of 4.45 metres, and four main engines driving propellers to deliver speeds in excess of 26 knots. It is capable of operating in both littoral and blue waters.
Altaf is fitted with an advanced combat management system, sensors, and weapons for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The vessel is also built with CBRN protection and complies with International Classification Society Naval Rules and US Navy Stability Requirements for ship survivability.
The OPV will also be used for counter-piracy missions, counter-narcotics trafficking missions, fisheries enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), maritime border surveillance, and oil spill response.