UAE firm EDGE Group and French shipbuilder CMN Naval have launched the first-of-class BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy in Cherbourg, France.
The launching of the NRA Ekuikui II is part of a 1-billion-euro ($1.1 billion) contract signed in February 2023 to deliver three corvettes, which will be used to enhance the southern African country’s maritime security.
It is scheduled for delivery to the Angolan Navy in October 2026. The second and third corvettes are expected by April 2027 and October 2027, respectively, Janes quoted CMN CEO Serge Quaranta as saying.
The BR71 Mk II builds upon the UAE Navy’s Baynunah-class corvettes constructed through a partnership between CMN and EDGE’s naval arm, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB).
EDGE subcontracted the design and construction of the first and third corvettes to CMN Naval. Meanwhile, ADSB will build the second warship in Abu Dhabi.
The first corvette’s launch supports the ongoing partnership between the UAE and Angola, with the countries signing an agreement for a comprehensive land and maritime border security program in October.
ADSB has already delivered six 12-meter (39-foot) and one of five 16-meter (52-foot) high-speed interceptor boats to the navy.
BR71 MK II Combattante
The BR71 MK II Combattante measures 71 meters (233 feet) long, with a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) and a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 kilometers/2,877 miles).
Each warship will be integrated with two HT-100 uncrewed helicopters from ANAVIA, an EDGE entity based in Switzerland.
Optimized for intelligence and data-gathering operations across varied terrain and weather conditions, the HT-100 is powered by a 15-kilowatt turbine engine that enables it to fly continuously up to six hours while carrying payloads of up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds).
ANAVIA will also supply “a custom-made control station and integrated logistics support and training,” according to the company’s founder and co-CEO Ishan Sahgal.
