ADSI provides UAE navy with 24 ships

The Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Systems Integration Centre (ADSI), Andre Brabgelata, announced the beginning of the final phase of the Ghanada programme after the United Arab Emirates navy received two coast guard ships out of the 24 contracts awarded. Two updated ships have also been fully completed and delivered to the UAE navy. He explained the second phase, which began in 2009, promised to supply 12 new vessels to the navy and to modernise 12 others upon winning a contract with ADSI’s parent company Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a supplier, re-fitter and constructor of both civilian and military ships in the Gulf region. Brabgelata said: "Our main commitment is to achieve the demands of our customers. We now aim to create a new generation of young technical experts to enhance their ability to handle new technologies in Abu Dhabi." "We are hosting three students from Khalifa University to participate in the Emiratis Youth Employment programme which attracts young Emiratis and carries out tactical missions on board some ships under construction.” The Ghanada programme for the construction and refitting of 24 ships in total is in process as a joint operation from ADSB and the Finmeccanica Group. The second phase of Ghanada programme includes modern and innovative defence and assistance systems and the latest weapons and sensors, making it an important small ship in the UAE military. Brabgelata concluded that the "fundamental challenge now is to get the logistical support and specialized training to complete the activities”. On July 27 the UAE reiterated its support for naval measures to combat piracy off the Somali coast as a contributor to UN forces in the region. A dinner was held by ADSI during the ongoing Ramadan period. The formal arrangement was attended by Abdullah Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Centre and a number of senior officers of the naval forces, representatives of the Italian Finmeccanica Group and workers.