LONDON, June 27 (UPI) -- BAE Systems in Britain has completed and delivered the first of the corvettes built for the Royal Navy of Oman.
The ship -- the first of a class called Khareef -- is a multimission corvette suitable for coastal patrol, search and rescue and deterrence missions. It features stealth features and electric propulsion, and is equipped to defend against both surface and air threats.
"Today is an important milestone in the strong and growing relationship between BAE Systems and Oman, as we hand over the first of the Khareef class warships," said Mick Ord, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime-Naval Ships.
"It's an immensely proud moment for everyone at BAE Systems involved in the design, build, trial and delivery of Al Shamikh to see her crew march onboard and take ownership of the vessel. We now look forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Navy of Oman, supporting the new crew and working toward the completion of the next two ships."
The handover was marked with a ceremony at the Royal Navy base in Portsmouth.
