| United Arab Emirates Navy | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971 |
| Country | |
| Size | 2,500 personnel |
| Garrison/HQ | Abu Dhabi |
| Insignia | |
| Ensign | |
The United Arab Emirates Navy is small force of about 2,500 personnel. It maintains 12 well-equipped coastal patrol boats and eight missile boats. Although primarily concerned with coastal defense, the Navy is constructing a six-unit class of blue water corvettes in conjunction with French shipbuilder CMN.[1] The UAE maintains a small battalion-sized marine force called the UAE Marines equipped with BMP-3 armoured personnel carriers.
Swedish shipbuilder Swede Ship Marine have built four 24 m Amphibious Troop Transport Vessel and one 25 m Fast Supply Vessel for the U.A.E Navy (delivered between 2003 and 2005).[2] Three additional vessels are being built by Swede Ship Marine for the U.A.E Navy (see Future Navy).
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In January 2004, Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding were awarded a contract to build a new class of multipurpose missile corvette, the Baynunah class. The contract is for six corvettes. One has been completed, but is undergoing sea trials. The Baynunah class will replace the six Ardhana class large patrol boats. The Kortenear class frigates where decommissioned in 2006 and are being rebuilt to yachts.
In 2009, it was announced that a 1,650 ton corvette, the Abu-Dhabi class, will be built. One is under contract, with an option for a second.[3]
One 26 m Offshore Patrol Vessel, one 24 m Amphibious Troop Transport Vessel and one 24 m Patrol Vessel is under construction for the U.A.E Navy.[4]