The Al-Quwaisat class is a series of Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) of the United Arab Emirates Navy (UAE Navy). They were built by the Malaysian company Shin Yang based on the company's 80 m LST design. Two ships have been completed and in service with UAE Navy with one more ordered in 2020.[1]
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Al-Quwaisat class |
| Builders | Shin Yang Malaysia |
| Operators |  United Arab Emirates Navy |
| Planned | 3 |
| Completed | 3 |
| Active | 3 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Landing Ship Tank |
| Displacement | 2,046 tons |
| Length | 80 m (262 ft 6 in) |
| Beam | 16.8 m (55 ft 1 in) |
| Draught | 4 m (13 ft 1 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | |
| Range | 2,500 nmi (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) |
| Endurance | 21 days |
| Capacity | Cargo, Marine troops, Tanks |
| Complement | 106 |
| Armament | 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns |
| Aviation facilities | Helicopter landing platform |
Characteristics
editThe Al-Quwaisat class has a length of 80 metres (262 ft 6 in), a beam of 16.8 metres (55 ft 1 in), and a draught of 4 metres (13 ft 1 in). The ship has a complement of 106. The LSTs have a capacity to carry cargo, marine troops, tanks and helicopters. They have a displacement of 2,046 tonnes and a speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) for cruising and 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) for maximum. The ships are armed with light defensive weapons such as 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns.[2]
Service history
editThe Al-Quwaisat class took part in UAE Navy operations in the Yemen conflict.[3] They were involved in a logistic role to support allied forces in the operation.[4]
On 16 October 2024, Al-Quwaisat participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Indian Navy's INS Shardul during its visit to Port Rashid, Dubai as a part of long range training deployment.[5]
Ships of the class
edit| Pennant | Name | Builders | Launched | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A81 | Al-Quwaisat[6] | Shin Yang, Malaysia | 17/10/2012 | 2/10/2013 |
| A82 | Al-Futaisi[7] | 29/10/2012 | 2/10/2013 | |
| A83 | Al-Taweelah[8] | 7/7/2020 | 2021[9] |
References
edit- ^ "Shin Yang delivers two 80M LCT vessels to UAE Navy". Borneo Post Online. October 17, 2012.
- ^ "MRSS As Well, Plan B Shorts - Malaysian Defence".
- ^ "West of Suez for the United Arab Emirates". War on the Rocks. September 2, 2016.
- ^ "The Emirati Navy Arrives in Eritrea". Stratfor.
- ^ SNS (2024-10-18). "INS Shardul engages in joint naval drills with UAE, strengthening maritime partnership". The Statesman. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ "AL QUWAISAT (Warship)". FleetMon.com.
- ^ "ALFUTAISI, Landing Craft - Details and current position - IMO 9644653 - VesselFinder". www.vesselfinder.com.
- ^ "Malaysia Shipping & Shipyard | Shin Yang Shipping Corp - Hull 987 Launching Ceremony". www.syshippingcorp.com.my.
- ^ "Indian Navy's 1st Training Squadron Visits Dubai and Undertakes Maritime Partnership Exercise".