BAE Systems has signed an agreement with Barzan Maintenance Shield and the Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF) to develop Warship Support and Naval Base Management Services for the QENF. Signed at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) the deal outlines the intent of all parties to work together to deliver world-class support for the State of Qatar’s Barzan Class Fast Attack Craft, as well as Naval Base Management Services for the new Umm Al Houl Naval Base.
In a press release, BAE Systems said: Barzan Maintenance Shield is the focal point for all maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services across all domains within the Qatar security and defense sector. Additionally, BMS aims to deliver cost-efficient and value-added capabilities that guide innovation forward and give our clients confidence in all conditions. Focusing on reliability and quality, BMS strives to invest in smart technologies and people to meet international standards and best practices.
Abdullah Hassan Al Khater, Vice President and Chief Strategic Procurement Officer, Barzan Holdings said: “For us, the choice to work with BAE Systems was an obvious one. BAE Systems has a global reputation for excellence in Warship Support. In developing the Umm Al Houl Naval Base, the QENF will benefit enormously from BAE Systems’ expertise, global reach, and the commitment to its customers that it demonstrates on a daily basis.”
David Mitchard, Managing Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services commented: “We’re honoured to have been asked to support the QENF in its ambitious plans to expand its naval capabilities. Following significant in-country engagement with Barzan Maintenance Shield and the Qatar Emiri Naval Force, we believe that a long-term partnership using our collective experience can best deliver the QENF’s objectives of increasing warship availability while developing world-class sovereign naval capabilities. What we have signed represents a substantial commitment from all parties. We anticipate that this will be the beginning of an enduring partnership to support the Qatari fleet, both at home and when deployed.”
Barzan-class fast attack craft
| Type: | Builders: |
| Fast attack craft | Vosper Thornycroft |
| Country of origin: | Operator: |
| United Kingdom | Qatari Emiri Navy |
| Built: | In commission: |
| 1992 – 1998 | 1996 – present |
| Number built: | Crew: |
| 4 | 35 |
| Displacement: | Dimensions: |
| Standard: 380 tonnes; Full load: 530 tonnes | Length: 56 m; beam: 9 m; draught: 2.5 m |
| Armament: | On-board Systems: |
| 1 x OTO Melara 76mm; 1 x 30mm Goalkeeper; 2 x Exocet MM40 Block; 3 anti-ship missiles; 1 x Mistral 6-cell launcher | Thales MW08 3D G-band surveillance radar; Thales Mirador electro-optical target tracker; Thales Scout MkII low probability of intercept radar; Sperry Marine Bridgemaster-E navigation radar; Tacticos combat management system; Aeromaritime IFF Mk12 ICS 2000 integrated communications system; DR 3000 ESM system; Argo AR 900 ESM system; 1 SRBOC decoy launcher |
| Rnage: | Propulsion: |
| 1,800 nm at 12 kt | 4 × MTU 16V595 TE90 diesel engines 17,500 kW (23,500 hp) |
| Speed: | |
| 35 kt |
