FINCANTIERI launches first Qatar's corvette named Al Zubarah

The technical launch of corvette "Al Zubarah", the first of the Doha-class ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place today at Fincantieri's shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).


The technical launch of corvette "Al Zubarah", the first of the Doha-class ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place today at Fincantieri's shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).


FINCANTIERI launches first Qatars corvette named Al Zubarah 925 001 Artist impression of Doha-class corvette (Picture source: Fincantieri)


The vessel, which will be delivered in 2021, is designed consistent with the RINAMIL rules. She will be a flexible type of ship capable of fulfilling a range of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capabilities to being a fighting vessel, being about 107 meters long, 14.70 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 28 knots. The unit will be provided with a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD) and will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board.

Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar will be sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.

The Doha-class corvettes will primary serve for air defense missions and therefore will have very substantial firepower for their size. They will be fitted with:

16 Aster 30 Block 1 surface-to-air missiles by MBDA,
8 Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles by MBDA,
a 76mm main gun and 2 Marlins remote weapons stations by Leonardo,
torpedo tubes
a RAM launcher (21 missiles) by Raytheon
4 Sylena Mk2 decoy launchers by Lacroix

The corvette is being built under a larger, EUR 4 billion contract which will see the Italian shipbuilder deliver a total of seven surface vessels, four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (landing platform dock) and two offshore patrol vessels.