Key Takeaways
- The BR71 MK II corvette for the Angolan Navy launched as part of a €1 billion defense contract with EDGE Group.
- The corvette measures 71 meters and supports maritime patrol, surveillance, and defense missions.
- Two additional corvettes will be constructed, one in France and another in Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi Ship Building.
- The program includes smaller vessels, interceptors, and drone systems from EDGE subsidiary ANAVIA for surveillance support.
- Training and logistics support for the drone systems are also part of the naval cooperation between Angola and the UAE.
The BR71 MK II corvette for the Angolan Navy has been launched as part of a naval modernization program led by EDGE Group. The vessel, named NRA Ekuikui II, was launched at the shipyard of Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) in Cherbourg, France. The ship forms part of a €1 billion defense contract signed between Angola and EDGE in 2023. The agreement includes the construction of three BR71 MK II corvettes designed for maritime defense and surveillance missions.
Construction and Design of the BR71 MK II Corvette for the Angolan Navy
The BR71 MK II corvette for the Angolan Navy measures 71 meters in length and is designed as a multi-mission naval vessel. The ship supports maritime patrol, surveillance, and defense against air and surface threats. CMN in France is responsible for building the first vessel.
Two additional ships are included in the program. The second corvette will also be built in France. The third vessel will be constructed in Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), another company within the EDGE Group. The project also involves technology transfer to support shipbuilding capabilities in the United Arab Emirates.
Additional Maritime Assets for the Angolan Navy
The broader naval program includes several smaller vessels. ADSB previously delivered six 12-meter high-speed interceptor boats to Angola. The company also delivered one 16-meter interceptor vessel.
Production of four additional 16-meter interceptors is currently underway. These vessels are intended to support coastal patrol and maritime security operations.
Drone Systems Integrated with the BR71 MK II Corvette for the Angolan Navy
The corvettes will carry unmanned aerial systems produced by EDGE subsidiary ANAVIA. Each vessel will operate two HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters.
The drones are equipped with electro-optic and infrared sensors. They connect directly to the ship’s combat management system. The unmanned aircraft support maritime surveillance and operational monitoring.
The program also includes training, logistics support, and control stations for the drone systems. The launch of the first corvette marks a key step in the ongoing naval cooperation between Angola and the United Arab Emirates.