VESSEL REVIEW | Altaf – UAE Navy’s newest patrol vessel boasts stealth features

The UAE Navy recently welcomed a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) into service.

Altaf is the lead ship of the Falaj 3-class OPVs built by UAE defence company the EDGE Group via its Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) 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 construction contract for the Falaj 3-class was awarded to ADSB in 2021.

Capable of operating with reduced probability of detection

The OPV boasts a design that reduces radar cross-section, infrared, and acoustic signatures for a stealth profile on the seas.

The vessel is capable of operating in both littoral and blue waters where it will undertake anti-air, anti-surface, anti-sub-surface, and asymmetric warfare, and multiple sensor capabilities use the fusion of radar, infrared and laser technology to ensure detection and tracking of every movement of an adversarial force.

Altaf has an LOA of 60 metres (200 feet), a moulded beam of 9.5 metres (31 feet), a maximum draught of 3.4 metres (11 feet), a depth of 4.45 metres (14.6 feet), a displacement of 640 tonnes at full load, and space for up to 39 crewmembers.

Four main engines driving propellers via gearboxes and shaftlines will deliver speeds in excess of 26 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 16 knots. Power for the onboard systems is supplied by four generators with a total rated output of 1.2 MW.

Multi-role security and response platform

The vessel is fitted with an advanced combat management system, sensors, and weapons for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. An integrated platform management system will enable monitoring and control of all essential systems from a single area on the ship.

The vessel is also built with CBRN protection and complies with International Classification Society Naval Rules and US Navy Stability Requirements for ship survivability. Among the numerous safety systems fitted are fixed firefighting equipment and 100 per cent redundant systems for all critical and major systems.

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.

Space is available for rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) that the crew may use for at-sea interceptions and boardings and for operation in areas that the larger OPV cannot access due to its size.

The vessel’s armament consists of missiles, unguided rockets, and medium-calibre guns, providing ample resources to defend itself from potential threats originating from any direction. Onboard decoy launches are available for added protection against guided missiles.

Upgrade of an earlier standard patrol vessel design

The Falaj 3-class OPVs are based on the Fearless-class ships that ST Engineering had designed for the Republic of Singapore Navy in the 1990s. The vessels will also be marketed to potential customers in Asia, Africa, and the UAE’s neighbours in the Gulf Cooperation Council.