UAE naval shipbuilder to supply new vessels to Kuwait

UAE naval shipbuilder the Edge Group has entered into an agreement with the Kuwait Ministry of Defence for the supply of new Falaj 3-class 62-metre offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Kuwait Naval Force.

As the prime contractor, Edge will lead the programme, which includes the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the missile-capable vessels. In addition to supplying integrated logistics support and in-service support (ISS), Edge will also provide the ammunition for the vessels.

Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the Edge Group’s naval arm, has been selected as the build subcontractor for the programme.

The Falaj 3-class OPV has also been selected by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, Altaf, commissioned into service in February of this year.

Edge said the OPVs will be tailored to meet Kuwait’s operational requirements, offering high performance, advanced combat systems, and enhanced capabilities for littoral defence operations.

The Falaj 3-class OPVs are based on the Fearless-class ships that Singapore’s ST Engineering had designed for the Republic of Singapore Navy in the 1990s.

The vessels are also being marketed to potential customers in Asia, Africa, and the UAE’s neighbours in the Gulf Cooperation Council.