UAE Navy Commissions its Second Gowind-class corvette, Al Emarat
The United Arab Emirates Navy has officially commissioned its second Gowind-class corvette, “Al Emarat“. Commissioned last month on February 2, 2025, the vessel’s delivery ceremony took place on June 27, 2024, at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France, with an official UAE delegation led by Deputy Commander Brigadier Abdulla Al Mehairbi in attendance.
“Al Emarat” is the second of two Gowind corvettes ordered by the UAE in 2019. The vessel was launched in May 2022 and commenced sea trials in October 2023. Sea trials were started in October 2023, at the time when the first corvette, Bani Yas, was delivered. The Gowind-class corvettes for the UAE Navy were built at Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard in France, featuring equipment produced locally by UAE industries. This collaboration highlights Naval Group’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United Arab Emirates Navy. By incorporating local manufacturing, the project supports the UAE’s defense industry while enhancing the Navy’s capabilities. Naval Group continues to deepen its relationship with the UAE Navy to address future challenges and ensure advanced maritime defense solutions.
Al Emarat measures 102 meters in length, 16 meters in beam, and has a displacement of 2,800 tons. This advanced corvette features a Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM) integrated mast, which houses key sensor systems such as Thales NS110 surveillance radar with IFF, STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 fire control radar, and an Elettronica (Elt) Roma R-ESM/C-ESM electronic warfare system. Additionally, it includes two HGH SPYNEL-X 8000 IRST sensors, Thales KINGKLIP Mk2 hull-mounted sonar, CAPTAS-2 variable depth sonar, and iXblue Marins navigation systems with Netans data processing units.
The vessel is equipped with a comprehensive weapons suite, including an OTO 76mm SR main gun with STRALES and DART guided ammunition, 16 VL MICA surface-to-air missiles, eight MM40 EXOCET Block 3C anti-ship missiles, and two triple launchers for MU90 torpedoes. It also boasts a 21-cell RAM close-in weapon system (CIWS), two remote weapon stations (RWS), and two LIG Nex1 guided rocket launchers. The corvette combines cutting-edge technology and powerful armament, reinforcing the UAE Navy’s operational strength and maritime security capabilities.