At DIMDEX 2018, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference currently held in Qatar, Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri is showcasing for the first time the design of the Offshore Patrol Vessel ordered by the Qatari Navy.
The future OPV of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. Fincantieri image.
Qatar confirmed in August 2017 its order for seven vessels from Fincantieri following the signing of a preliminary contract in June 2016. The deal consists in four air defence corvettes of over 100 meters in length, one amphibious vessel (LPD - Landing Platform Dock acting as mobile radar station for the corvettes), and two patrol vessels (OPV - Offshore Patrol Vessel).
The future OPV on the Qatari Emiri Navy stand at DIMDEX 2018.
The OPV design selected by the Qatari Navy has a length of 63 meters, a maximum breadth of 9.20 meters, a draft of 2.60 meters for a full load displacement of 670 tons.
Its maximum speed is set to be 30 knots, its range 1500 nautical miles (at 15 knots). The propulsion system consists in 4x diesel engines, 4 shafts and 4 fixed pitched propellers. It will have an endurance of 7 days at sea.
The crew complement will be 38 sailors.
These OPVs will be quite heavily armed.
In terms of weapon systems, the OPVs will actually be closer to FACM (Fast Attack Craft Missile) or even light corvettes: The OPVs will be fitted with a 76mm main gun by Leonardo, 8x VLS cells for VL MICA surface to air missiles (by MBDA), two Marlins 30mm remote weapon stations (Leonardo), 4x Exocet MM40 Block III (MBDA) anti-ship missiles.
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 fire control system.
Two Sylena Mk2 decoy launchers by Lacroix will protect the vessels against anti-ship missile threats.
Its maximum speed is set to be 30 knots, its range 1500 nautical miles (at 15 knots). The propulsion system consists in 4x diesel engines, 4 shafts and 4 fixed pitched propellers. It will have an endurance of 7 days at sea.
These OPVs will be delivered in the same timeframe as the Corvettes also ordered by Qatar (First steel cutting is set to take place in June 2018 while delivery of first of class vessel is expected in 2021).
The contract also includes support services in Qatar for 15 years (10 for the corvettes and 5 for the OPVs and LPD) 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.
Fincantieri and the Qatari Navy are also showcasing for the first time the designs of the Corvette and LPD.
