Fincantieri Started Work on First Qatari Navy Air Defense Corvette.

The steel cutting ceremony of the first “Doha” class corvette ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition programme, took place on July 30 at the Muggiano (La Spezia) yard, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State of Qatar for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Khalid Bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and the Italian Minister of Defence, Elisabetta Trenta, welcomed by the Chairman and the CEO of Fincantieri Giampiero Massolo and Giuseppe Bono.

 The future multi-role air defence corvette of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. These corvettes will become the backbone and the most potent surface combatants of the Qatari Navy fleet.

In the awarding of this prestigious contract, Fincantieri has prevailed over other competitors thanks to a project recognized as the most advanced and innovative of all. The presence of the two Ministers testifies the international value acquired by Fincantieri, which, thanks to the experience gained in the construction of hi-tech vessels, today is a reference Group also in the naval field.

The contract, amounting for Fincantieri to approx. 4 billion euros, envisages the supply of seven surface vessels, of which four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (LPD - Landing Platform Dock), and two patrol vessels (OPV - Offshore Patrol Vessel) as well as support services in Qatar for further 10 years after the delivery of the vessels. All the units will be entirely built in Fincantieri Italian shipyards starting from this year.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by the Staff Major General Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, and the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Valter Girardelli.

Fincantieri wass showcasing for the very first time a scale model of the future corvette on its stand at DIMDEX 2018

The first “Doha” class corvette, of which the first steel was cut on July 30, is designed consistent with the RINAMIL rules and will be a flexible type of ship capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to being a fighting vessel. Will be about 107 meters long, 14.70 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 28 knots. It will be equipped with a combined diesel and diesel turbine plant (CODAD) and will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board, of whom 98 of the crew.

Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar are sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.

A scale model of the corvette was also present on the Qatari Navy booth

In terms of weapon systems Navy Recognition learned during DIMDEX 2018 that the corvettes will be fitted with a 76mm main gun by Leonardo, 16x VLS cells for ASTER 30 surface to air missiles (by MBDA), two Marlins 30mm remote weapon stations (Leonardo), 8x Exocet MM40 Block III (MBDA) and RAM launcher (21 missiles) by Raytheon for short range air defense.

Leonardo is responsible for the integrated supply of the new naval units’ combat system (Athena), main radar system (Kronos) and on-board sensors and defence sub-systems, including the anti-torpedo protection system and the Thesan mine avoidance sonar.

A total of four Sylena Mk2 decoy launchers by Lacroix will protect the vessels against anti-ship missile threats.

Our video coverage of DIMDEX 2018 (including coverage of the Doha-class corvettes)

These corvettes will become the backbone and the most potent surface combatants of the Qatari Navy fleet.

The contract also includes support services in Qatar for 15 years after the delivery of the vessels. All the units will be entirely built in Fincantieri Italian shipyards starting from 2018, ensuring 6 years of work and an important impact on the main Italian defense companies.