UAE launches Last Baynunah-Class Corvette

The United Arab Emirates Naval Force’s (UAENF) last of six Baynunah-class corvette, Al-Hili, was launched on 6 February, according to the news agency WAM.

This follows the commissioning of the third Baynunah, Al-Dhafra, in December. Work on the sixth vessel began in September 2009.

The first of the class was built in France, with other five constructed by the Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB).

The 88 m vessels is armed with an Oto Malara 76 mm main gun, MBDA Exocet MM 40 Block III anti-ship missiles and Raytheon RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles.