Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Raytheon mark a decade of partnership

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) and Raytheon have celebrated the 10th anniversary of their partnership in a ceremony alongside the UAE Navy Baynunah corvette Al Hili on the NAVDEX waterfront.

"We have established an excellent working relationship with Raytheon over the last 10 years and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead," said Dr Khaled Al Mazrouei, chief executive of ADSB, at the presentation event.

ADSB is the prime contractor for the six-ship Baynunah corvette programme.

Al Hili, the final vessel of the class, was formally commissioned at the NAVDEX show on 20 February.

Raytheon Missile Systems has provided the self-defence weapon fit for the Baynunah class vessels.

Raytheon in December 2006 concluded a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) with ADSB, valued at more than $80 million, for seven Mk 49 Mod 3 guided launcher systems. This marked the start of the partnership between the two companies.

The new Arialah class offshore patrol vessels being delivered by ADSB are also being equipped with Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM).. In this case, each ship features an 11-round Mk 49 Mod 2 launcher.

The UAE recently concluded a DCS contract with Raytheon to buy the latest Block 2 version of RAM.

The evolved Block 2 missile has a larger rocket motor, a new control actuation system and an enhanced RF receiver.