A screengrab from a YouTube video posted by EDGE Group showing the first Falaj-3 vessel launched on Jan. 14, 2025. (YouTube)
BEIRUT — Emirati firm Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) today launched the first of four offshore patrol vessels in its Falaj-3 program, the firm announced in a statement.
“The launch of the first FALAJ3 vessel reinforces ADSB’s expertise in shipbuilding and represents a major step forward in delivering cutting-edge, highly sophisticated vessels equipped with the latest mission systems and advanced armament,” said ADSB CEO David Massey in the statement.
ADSB, a subsidiary of UAE’s defense giant EDGE Group, secured the deal for the four OPVs with the national ministry of defense in 2021 worth $950 million (3.5 billion AED), as first reported by Breaking Defense.
The Falaj- 3 ships are 60-meter-long vessels, capable of littoral and blue water missions and are equipped with combat battle management systems and weapons for air, surface and subsurface missions.
“As we deepen this partnership, we remain focused on driving innovation and excellence to meet the evolving needs of the nation’s defence landscape,” Massey added.
Beyond the UAE, ADSB has secured a number of export deals, including a $1.07 billion contract to provide a small fleet of new ships to the Angolan navy, specifically three BR71 MKII 71-meter corvettes.
Today’s Falaj-3 announcement came one month ahead of the largest biennial defense show in the UAE, IDEX/ NAVDEX 2025 where the country’s navy, neighboring and international navies exhibit their ships. With the first Falaj-3 in the water, it’s possible the ship could make an appearance dockside.
