In a momentous ceremony on October 21, 2023, the United Arab Emirates celebrated the delivery of the first Gowind® corvette, Bani Yas, commissioned from the esteemed Naval Group. This historic event, held in Lorient and attended by an official delegation led by His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Navy, marked a significant leap forward in naval capabilities.
1. Bani Yas: Pioneer of the Gowind Corvette Fleet
Bani Yas, the lead vessel of the two Gowind® corvettes ordered by the UAE in 2019, showcases cutting-edge naval engineering. Launched in December 2021 and departing Lorient on October 23, 2023, Bani Yas is poised to arrive in the UAE in early December, a testament to the precision and efficiency of Naval Group's construction.
2. Al Emarat: The Next Chapter
Alongside Bani Yas, the second corvette, Al Emarat, embarked on its journey with a launch date of May 13, 2022, from Naval Group’s Lorient site. Soon to undergo sea trials, Al Emarat is set to join its counterpart in fortifying the UAE Navy's operational prowess.
3. Modular Excellence: Bani Yas Class Corvettes
The Bani Yas class corvettes stand as a testament to the modular brilliance of the Gowind® family. Designed to empower the UAE Navy to navigate current and future challenges with state-of-the-art technologies, these vessels are a fusion of innovation and adaptability.
4. Naval Group's Commitment to Excellence
Naval Group's commitment to providing comprehensive service solutions is highlighted by the rigorous training of the UAE Navy’s crew in the operational intricacies of the Gowind® corvettes. This dedication underscores a shared vision of delivering the best and fostering a robust, long-term strategic partnership.
5. Beyond Borders: The Global Success of Gowind Corvette
The commercial triumph of the Gowind® corvette resonates globally, with 12 units selected by various navies. The success is not merely confined to acquisitions but extends to local industry collaborations, emphasizing technology transfer and partnerships.
At the heart of the Gowind® corvette's strength lies a formidable array of high-performance warfare capabilities, seamlessly integrated through the state-of-the-art SETIS® Combat Management System. This system ensures adaptability and readiness in the face of diverse naval challenges.
7. Stealth and Precision: The Gowind 2500 Multi-Mission Corvette
The Gowind 2500, a multi-mission corvette, is a pinnacle of naval engineering. From surveillance to combat and protection missions, it leverages Naval Group's expertise in vessel stealth. Equipped with facilities for helicopters and drones, it is a versatile force in maritime operations.
8. User-Friendly Design: Enhancing Efficiency
The Gowind® corvette introduces a user-friendly design to naval operations. Automated systems streamline operations, optimizing crew efficiency and reducing personnel burden. This design philosophy allows the crew to focus on critical tasks with minimal distractions.
9. Versatility in Action: Large and Intelligent Assets
A standout feature of the Gowind® corvette is its versatility in deploying large and intelligent assets. Capable of accommodating heavy helicopters, UAVs, and RHIBs, it provides a multifaceted approach to maritime operations, adapting seamlessly to dynamic scenarios.
The delivery of the Bani Yas Gowind® Combat corvette heralds not only a symbolic milestone but also a new era in naval capabilities for the UAE. The Gowind Corvette program, with its technological prowess and global success, lays the foundation for a strong and enduring cooperation between Naval Group and the United Arab Emirates.