Anchors away! (page 1 of 3)

By Robert Lowry Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates clearly intends to strengthen its naval capability. With major deals already underway for the other services - new F-16s and Mirage upgrades for the air force and Leclerc main battle tanks for the army - the UAE navy not only will receive new equipment, but will also have access to improved domestic maintenance and construction facilities.
The UAE's interest in acquiring a submarine capability and developing its surface fleet are further indications that the UAE plans to develop its naval role beyond coastal defense and the need to patrol territorial waters.

However, the main constraint on naval expansion seems to have more to do with the limited availability of trained manpower than the funds in the Abu Dhabi government's coffers.
Speaking at the IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi in March, Germany's deputy defense minister, Walter Kolbow, said that Germany was hoping to sell submarines to the UAE.

Balance. The UAE has reportedly looked into the Type 206 class of submarine built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG. This would give the UAE a torpedo and mine-laying capability that might act as a potential counterbalance to Iran's three Kilo-class submarines.

The UAE armed forces are also expected to be taking delivery of mini-submarines designed for covert operations. The Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Marine Technologies (EMT) has produced Class 4 and Class 5 Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV) that can travel at six knots and have a range of 60 nautical miles. The two-man mini-subs are based on similar American systems, but are slower. The "wet" submarines have built-in breathing systems that enable the divers to remain submerged for long periods, and they are said to have a low acoustic signature that will make detection more difficult.

EMT said at IDEX that it was soon expecting to sign a deal to provide the UAE armed forces with SDVs as well as its high-speed 15-meter Hurricane boats that can reach 70 knots. EMT imports a number of components and combines this with its own technology for its systems. Sources also told Arabies TRENDS that the company had been given permission to export the SDVs to other countries - it is very probable that this will initially be limited to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The source also said that EMT, which was established in 1991, plans to expand by 2003. There are also plans to develop training courses.

Another major naval deal announced at IDEX is the UAE's Project Baynunah. This involves the design and construction of six new 60-meter missile patrol boats. A value was not given for the deal, but Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) company officials have previously said they are hoping to sell up to 12 missile patrol boats worth $500 million.

ADSB is the prime contractor and main shipbuilder for the project. The Baynunah vessels will be constructed from designs by the French company Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN), which will also provide technology transfer among other services.