Oman Corvette Heads To Sea For The First Time

BAE Systems -

Portsmouth, United Kingdom: Al Shamikh, the first of three ships being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has embarked on her first sea trials in the Solent.

Departing from the Company’s Portsmouth facility, a combined BAE Systems and RNO crew is putting the ship through her paces, undertaking extensive platform testing for speed, propulsion and manoeuvrability in the first demonstration of the ship’s capability at sea.

Scott Jamieson, International Programmes Director at BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, said: “As first in class, Al Shamikh’s trials mark a pivotal stage in the programme. It highlights the significant progress that has been made and clearly demonstrates the effective close working relationship we have developed with the Royal Navy of Oman and our continued commitment to deliver enhanced naval capability to our customer.”

The corvette is a flexible and highly efficient platform, equipped to defend against both surface and air threats. Al Shamikh will be used to protect Omani territorial waters, conducting coastal patrols in peacetime, with the ability to conduct search and rescue, as well as disaster relief, while providing a highly sophisticated ocean going capability for use in deterrent operations during times of tension.

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