The UAE’s EDGE Group and French shipbuilder CMN Naval have launched NRA Ekuikui II, the first BR71 MK II Combattante-class corvette built for the Angolan Navy, at the port city of Cherbourg.
The launch forms part of a 1-billion-euro ($1.1-billion) contract signed in February 2023 for the construction of three corvettes aimed at enhancing Angola’s maritime defense and coastal security capabilities. Delivery of the lead vessel is planned for October 2026, with the second and third ships expected in April 2027 and October 2027, according to CMN CEO Serge Quaranta.
The BR71 Mk II design builds on the Baynunah-class corvette used by the UAE Navy, originally developed through cooperation between CMN and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of EDGE.
As part of the program structure, CMN Naval is responsible for building the first and third ships, while ADSB will construct the second corvette in Abu Dhabi. The project also highlights growing security cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Angola, which signed a broader border and maritime security agreement in October.
Beyond the corvette program, ADSB has already supplied the Angolan Navy with six 12-meter interceptor boats and one 16-meter high-speed interceptor vessel, part of a fleet intended to strengthen maritime patrol operations.
The BR71 MK II Combattante is 71 meters long, capable of speeds of 30 knots, and offers an operational range of 2,500 nautical miles. Each ship will operate two HT-100 unmanned helicopter systems produced by ANAVIA in Switzerland.
Optimized for intelligence and surveillance tasks across varied terrain and weather conditions, the HT-100 is powered by a 15-kilowatt turbine engine that allows continuous flight for up to six hours with payloads reaching 60 kilograms. According to ANAVIA founder and co-CEO Ishan Sahgal, the company will also deliver a custom control station along with integrated logistics and training support.
