New Emirates navy corvette launched

A Baynunah class corvette for the navy of the United Arab Emirates has been launched by Abu Dhabi Ship Building. The Mezyad -- the third vessel of its class built by the company -- is 236 feet long, displaces more than 900 tons, has a speed of 34.5 miles per hour and has a range of about 2,700 miles. It features a helicopter landing deck and will be outfitted with anti-ship missiles and air-defense missiles. The United Arab Emirates plans to buy six such vessels. "The launch of the Mezyad once again demonstrates Abu Dhabi Ship Building's advanced capabilities and strong commitment to the highest quality standards," said Mohamed Salem Al Junaibi, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Ship Building. "The Baynunah Corvette Class Program, which is the largest warship construction program and a first-of-its-kind project in the region, will significantly boost the arsenal of the (Emirates') navy and enable it to effectively fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting the (Emirates') maritime territory." First steel for the hull was cut in 2007.