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8 min read

The UAE's Dual

Approach to the Naval
Defense Sector
By: AGSIW
(https://channel16.dryadglobal.com/author/agsiw) on May 9,
2023 at 8:00 AM

MARITIME SECURITY (HTTPS://CHANNEL16.DRYADGLOBAL.COM/TAG/MARITIME-

SECURITY)

UAE (HTTPS://CHANNEL16.DRYADGLOBAL.COM/TAG/UAE)

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The UAE has sought to enhance its naval might and secure its fast-expanding networks of ports
and logistics infrastructure to match its evolving strategic and commercial ambitions, in the
Middle East and beyond.

In late February, on the first day of Abu Dhabi’s arms show, IDEX/NAVDEX 2023, the International
Defence Exhibition and Conference/Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition, the United Arab
Emirates signed (https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/navdex-2023/2023/03/uae-procures-lpd-from-
indonesian-shipbuilder-pt-pal/) a $408 million deal with Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL for the purchase of
a landing platform dock amphibious ship. On the same day, the EDGE Group
(https://edgegroup.ae/about), an Emirati defense and advanced technology conglomerate, inked
(https://adsb.ae/news/edge-signs-major-eur-1-billion-milestone-deal-angolan-navy) a nearly $1.1 billion
contract to construct a fleet of technologically advanced BR71 MKII corvettes for the Angolan navy. Abu
Dhabi Ship Building, EDGE Group’s naval arm, will build the warships in its 330,000 square meter
shipyard in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi.

 While announcements of multimillion-dollar arms purchases align with previous IDEX/NAVDEX shows,
these recent deals speak volumes about the UAE’s dual approach to the naval defense sector. First,
targeted acquisitions of strategic assets remain a vital component of the UAE’s strategy to enhance its
naval might and secure its fast-expanding networks of ports and logistics infrastructure in the Middle East
and beyond. Second, developing a domestic defense-industrial base capable of satisfying national needs
and winning a larger slice of the global arms market continues to be a strategic priority for the UAE. The
latest arms deals show how the Emirati efforts are coming to fruition, bringing considerable reputational
gains and large economic returns.

These developments represent a critical indicator of how the Emirati establishment is posturing itself
against the backdrop of a perceived decreasing U.S. commitment to regional security, the ever-present
Iranian military threat, and a growing desire for strategic autonomy.

Targeted Acquisitions
With its naval ambitions constrained by a small fleet largely made up of aging ships decommissioned by
Western navies, the UAE has sought to offset the tactical imbalance and build naval muscle by purchasing
new technologically advanced vessels from world-class shipbuilders.

In 2009, the UAE signed (https://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/08/19/Fincantieri-

to-build-UAE-corvette/UPI-67531250706880/) a deal with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to construct an
Abu Dhabi-class corvette. With a maximum range of over 3,000 nautical miles and an endurance of 20
days, the vessel (https://www.fincantieri.com/en/products-and-services/naval-vessels/abu-dhabi-
class/) significantly boosted the UAE’s capability to conduct surveillance and patrolling missions in littoral
waters and surrounding seas. The 88-meter corvette can also engage in anti-submarine warfare
(https://militaryleak.com/2018/08/29/united-arab-emirates-navy-abu-dhabi-anti-submarine-corvette/) as it
is fitted with Exocet anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. A year later, the UAE signed a contract to purchase
two Falaj 2-class patrol vessels (https://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsfincantieri-uae-navy-falaj-2-
class-patrol-vessel/) from Fincantieri. The patrol vessel’s stealth geometry and technologically advanced
combat system make it a highly flexible naval asset (https://www.fincantieri.com/en/products-and-
services/naval-vessels/stealth-attack-craft/falaj-2/) capable of engaging in different littoral and open seas
missions, from patrolling and surveillance operations to self-defense from air and surface threats. The
Falaj 2-program included an option for technology transfer from Fincantieri to a local shipyard to construct
additional ships.

In 2019, the UAE placed an $850 million order for two Gowind-class corvettes
(https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2019/06/10/uae-naval-group-quietly-cut-850-million-deal-for-gowind-
ships/) from the French shipbuilder Naval Group. With a maximum range of 4,500 nautical miles, the
warship combines a stealth design, advanced anti-ship and surface-to-air missile systems, and last-
generation electronic and radar equipment, enabling it to undertake a full spectrum of naval defense
operations. The 85-meter corvette will also offer anti-submarine warfare capability
(https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/navdex-2023/2023/02/naval-group-to-provide-canto-anti-
torpedo-decoy-and-mu90-torpedoes-to-uae-navy/) thanks to two deals (https://idexuae.ae/aed-5-8b-worth-
of-total-deals-signed-on-third-day-of-idex-and-navdex-2023/) the UAE signed with Naval Group on the
third day of IDEX/NAVDEX 2023 to provide lightweight torpedoes and anti-torpedo decoys. The two ships
are expected to set sail for the UAE in late 2023 and early 2024.

The most recent UAE purchase – a landing platform dock amphibious ship from Indonesia – exhibits a
major leap forward in its maritime power projection capability. With a maximum range exceeding 10,000
nautical miles and an endurance of 30 days at sea, the amphibious ship can operate far from home ports
for lengthy periods. In addition to a crew of almost 130, the 163-meter multipurpose support vessel will
accommodate 500 troops and carry infantry vehicles, landing crafts, high-speed boats, up to five
helicopters, and some unmanned aerial vehicles. The move to purchase a vessel capable of carrying out
a diversified array of maritime security roles while sailing far from home reflects the UAE’s determination
to gain a more assertive naval presence in waters beyond its immediate neighborhood.

 Although Iran still retains a significant military edge in naval warfare
(https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/irans-evolving-approach-asymmetric-naval-warfare-
strategy-and-capabilities-persian), these targeted acquisitions have partly allowed the UAE to narrow the
hard-power gap. Instead of chasing after the lofty and inefficient goal of maritime power balance with Iran,
the UAE has focused on securing highly sophisticated ships capable of countering Iranian asymmetric
warfare tactics.

Major Commissions
While Emirati shipbuilders have become more competitive globally and their products are
increasingly popular (https://breakingdefense.com/2022/11/with-a-new-patrol-vessel-and-a-new-deal-abu-
dhabi-ship-building-makes-waves-in-indonesia/) at arms shows worldwide, the UAE’s early efforts to
develop a local military-industrial complex date back almost two decades.

In 2004, Abu Dhabi Ship Building secured (https://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-

markets/aviation/adsb-works-on-last-baynunah-2008-10-28-1.57938) a contract to construct six
multipurpose missile corvettes (Baynunah-class) for the UAE navy – the first time the UAE navy awarded
such a massive arms sale to a local shipbuilder. Although ADSB contracted the French shipbuilding
company Constructions Mécaniques De Normandie to design and build the first class of the ship, the deal
marked a momentous turning point in the development of indigenous shipbuilding expertise through
significant technology and knowledge transfers.

In 2009, ADSB won a $272 million contract to implement the Ghannatha Phase II program
(http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/year-2012-news/july/504-abu-
dhabi-ship-building-launches-first-indigenously-built-ghannatha-missile-boat-for-the-uae-navy.html?
utm_content=cmp-true) to expand and modernize the fleet of Ghannatha-class fast patrol boats operated
by the UAE navy. The deal included purchasing 12 units of the ship’s advanced variant and retrofitting
modifications to 12 original vessels. ADSB subcontracted Swede Ship Marine (https://swedeship.se/) to
design the upgrade package and construct the first three boats. The Swedish shipbuilder then provided
the ADSB shipyard in Mussafah with complete knock-down kits for the remaining nine crafts.

In 2021, the UAE navy awarded a $952 million arms deal to ADSB for the purchase of four Falaj 3-class
offshore patrol vessels. ADSB subcontracted the Singaporean firm ST Engineering
(https://www.stengg.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/st-engineering-secures-international-defence-
contract-for-falaj-3-class-offshore-patrol-vessels-for-uae-navy/) “to provide design, platform equipment,
and technical assistance,” and the construction of the vessels is taking place at the ADSB shipyard in
Mussafah.

On the first day of IDEX/NAVDEX 2023, ADSB signed a record-breaking arms sale with the Angolan navy
to construct a fleet of BR71 MKII corvettes in the first international sale for the Emirati shipbuilder. Based
on the Baynunah-class platform, the warship (https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/combattante-
br71-mkii-corvette/) is primarily designed to conduct littoral defense operations and is expected to be fitted
with advanced weapons systems similar to those currently featured on the UAE navy’s corvettes. On the
second day, ADSB cut (https://edgegroup.ae/news/adsb-edge-entity-build-12m-and-16m-fast-patrol-boats-
cicpa-aed-175-million-deal) a $47.6 million contract to provide an undisclosed number of 12-meter and 16-
meter fast patrol boats for the UAE’s Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority. Even if of
lesser economic impact, the purchase still demonstrates the Emirati leadership’s growing trust for naval
solutions designed and built locally.

The development of the Emirati military-industrial complex over the last 20 years reveals four patterns.
First, the UAE has sought to enhance its domestic defense-industrial base by establishing strategic
partnerships with world-class shipbuilders. Second, in choosing its partners, the UAE has prioritized
companies inclined to transfer technology and outsource production. Third, the UAE has aimed to retain a
leading role as the prime shipbuilder in joint construction projects. Fourth, the UAE has focused on
consolidating shipbuilding expertise and technical know-how in a niche of naval assets.

 A Matter of Exigency and Expediency
The transformations in the UAE defense procurement strategy and the changing shape of the Emirati
navy over the years underscore a three-stage process reflecting the evolving goals of Emirati leaders.
First, they prioritized the development of maritime defensive capabilities and consolidating the country’s
coastal security. As a result, military hardware acquisitions primarily aimed at deterring potential
amphibious and seaborne attacks by raising the costs of offensive operations for regional adversaries.
Second, they expanded the UAE’s naval arm to include versatile vessels capable of efficiently operating in
both littoral and open waters. As a result, although the primary focus remained safeguarding territorial
waters, the UAE navy gained a limited regional dimension. Third, they have shifted the attention to naval
assets that give the UAE navy strategic depth beyond the Gulf region by procuring ocean-going ships and
building a logistical infrastructure capable of sustaining long-term deployments.

Download the Dryad Global Counter Narcotics Report 2023 (https://cha

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dual-approach-to-the-naval-defense-sector&portal_id=4795492&redirect_url=APefjpFNqvO2AyR

NMcZNhYstzxiJA1ExxPW_TWY9mAsjwVPbdRijqUFBwsPPw&__hstc=120870039.0bb256d33ea

While the UAE has made significant strides in developing a highly sophisticated naval force to match
these ambitions, these efforts remain vulnerable to material constraints, such as the lack of trained
manpower. The navy is a personnel-intense armed force, and the UAE has historically struggled
(https://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sizing-up-Little-Sparta-Understanding-UAE-military-
effectiveness-3.pdf?x91208) to build up its ranks. With only around 2,500 active personnel as part of the
total armed forces of 63,000 active personnel, the UAE navy continues
(https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance) to lag behind compared to other military branches
and confront sizeable shortages of naval personnel.

Such material constraints aside, the UAE is one of the world’s largest arms buyers, and developing a
strong domestic military-industrial infrastructure continues to top the country’s priorities. And, as David
Des Roches (https://agsiw.org/idex-2019-highlights-gulf-states-move-to-develop-domestic-defense-
industries/) and Emma Soubrier (https://agsiw.org/idex-2021-the-uae-confirms-its-shifting-tide-in-defense-
procurement/) have pointed out, Abu Dhabi’s arms show remains an unparalleled occasion to get some
hints on the current status and future trajectories of the UAE’s quest for strategic autonomy in the naval
sector. With last-generation unmanned surface vessels (https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/navdex-
2023/2023/02/adsb-showcased-170m-detector-usv-at-navdex-2023/) in full display and a flurry
of cooperation agreements (https://www.fincantieri.com/globalassets/press-releases/non-price-
sensitive/2023/cs-accordo-edge-e-fincantieri_def_eng.pdf) signed with world-class shipbuilders,
IDEX/NAVDEX 2023 revealed that technological innovation (https://adsb.ae/news/edge-launches-11-new-
breakthrough-autonomous-and-unmanned-solutions-idex-2023) and strategic partnerships are critical
components of the UAE’s roadmap to a thriving local shipbuilding industry.

Source: The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (https://agsiw.org/targeted-acquisitions-major-

commissions-the-uaes-dual-approach-to-the-naval-defense-sector/)

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