Abu Dhabi shipyard delivers second corvette to Angolan Navy in landmark technology transfer

ADSB launches the BR71 MK II vessel NRA Nimi-ya-Lukeni, marking a significant milestone in defence manufacturing collaboration and demonstrating the UAE's growing capabilities in advanced naval construction

The 71-metre NRA Nimi-ya-Lukeni emerged from the Abu Dhabi shipyard of Abu Dhabi Ship Building on 29th October, a vessel that carries within its steel hull something more significant than the sum of its systems. This second BR71 MK II multi-mission corvette represents not merely a ship delivered to a foreign navy, but rather a tangible expression of genuine technology transfer, a partnership that has moved beyond consultation into active construction and mastery.

The launch ceremony brought together Júlio Belarmino Gomes Maiato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the UAE, alongside senior figures from EDGE and ADSB, alongside Angolan naval and government representatives. Khaled Al Zaabi, President of Platforms and Systems at EDGE and Chairman of ADSB, reflected on the achievement: the transfer of knowledge had enabled ADSB to apply the expertise gained from the first-of-class vessel, NRA Ekuikui II, which CMN Naval designed and built in Cherbourg, France, launching in March 2026.

This second corvette emerges as the first of its class to be constructed in the UAE, a distinction that speaks to the maturation of local shipbuilding expertise. The vessel sits at the heart of a larger commitment: ADSB is delivering three BR71 MK II corvettes under a contract valued at EUR 1 billion, agreed in 2023. Beyond the corvettes themselves, the partnership has already seen the delivery of 12-metre and 16-metre high-speed interceptors as part of the programme, each component refined through meticulous engineering and testing.

The corvette will carry two HT-100 NAVAL vertical take-off and landing unmanned helicopters from ANAVIA, an EDGE entity based in Switzerland. These systems integrate seamlessly with the vessel’s combat management system, a fusion of naval platforms and unmanned technologies that demonstrates how EDGE orchestrates capabilities across its portfolio. All six helicopter systems have completed Factory Acceptance Trials at ANAVIA’s facilities in Bilten, Switzerland, in August 2026, ensuring each arrives ready for deployment.

For EDGE, this milestone speaks to the tangible realisation of a vision: that advanced defence technology need not flow in one direction alone, but can be developed and manufactured collaboratively, with partners building genuine capability within their own industrial bases. The engineers, production teams, technicians and industry partners who brought this vessel into being have created something that transcends the technical specifications of a warship.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This launch reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for advanced maritime manufacturing and defence systems integration. The successful construction of the first BR71 MK II in the UAE demonstrates the readiness of local shipyards to undertake complex military projects, creating skilled employment and establishing supply chains that strengthen the emirate’s industrial base. It signals to international partners that Abu Dhabi possesses the expertise and infrastructure to serve not merely as a customer of defence technology, but as a capable producer.

The achievement reflects broader strategic intent within the UAE’s defence sector. EDGE’s innovation portfolio continues to advance national capabilities, with this project exemplifying how the group integrates naval platforms and unmanned systems into coherent solutions. The corvette programme demonstrates that such integration extends beyond domestic needs, positioning the nation as a reliable partner capable of delivering sophisticated systems to friendly nations whilst building enduring industrial relationships.

Source: WAM