EDGE, one of the principal global groups in the sector of advanced technology and defense, has announced the signing of a major defense contract worth AED 9 billion, approximately €2.15 billion, with the Kuwait Ministry of Defense for the provision of 62-meter FALAJ 3 missile boats.
This contract with Kuwait represents the largest military ship export in the region by EDGE and is among the most valuable naval export agreements globally.
As the main contractor, EDGE will lead the program, which includes design, construction, testing, and delivery of the ships, in addition to Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) and In-Service Support (ISS).
Pursuant to the contract, EDGE will also provide the ammunition for the ships.
The construction of Kuwait’s FALAJ 3s will be handled by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the naval division of the EDGE Group and the primary shipyard of the United Arab Emirates, as subcontractor.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s Navy received the ALTAF, the first FALAJ 3, last February.
Characteristics of the FALAJ 3
The FALAJ 3s are 62.7 meters long, 9.5 meters wide, and displace approximately 680 tons at full load. The maximum speed is 25 knots, and the range at 16 knots is 2,000 nautical miles. The ship accommodates 39 crew members.
The propulsion adopts a CODAD (COmbined Diesel And Diesel) architecture.
The FALAJ 3 can be equipped with a wide range of weapon systems, including missiles, rockets, and medium-caliber guns, providing ample resources to defend against potential threats from any direction. Onboard self-protection systems are provided for soft-kill measures.
The FALAJ 3 is also equipped with the latest digitally integrated communication and navigation suites.
Source and image credit: @EDGE Group
