U.A.E. missile boat launched

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, July 13 (UPI) -- The first indigenously built missile patrol boat for the United Arab Emirates navy has been launched by Abu Dhabi Ship Building.

The boat is about 98.4 feet long, is powered by twin MTU diesel engines coupled with Rolls-Royce waterjets and can travel at speeds faster than 35 knots.

Abu Dhabi Ship Building was contracted in 2009 to construct new Ghannatha missile boats and also retrofit existing Ghannatha Phase I troop carriers into gun boats and mortar boats.

Under the U.A.E. government's program, ADSB is constructing nine missile boats while Swedeship Marine from Sweden is constructing three.

Abu Dhabi Systems Integration is responsible for all integration activities.

"This project has potentially redefined in-shore naval capability concepts," said ADSB Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Salem Al Junaibi. "We believe that having a vessel under 30 meters fitted with two guns and a missile system will undoubtedly gain popularity for other regional operators."

Delivery of all 12 vessels to the U.A.E. navy will be completed by 2014.