Persian Gulf: the chief of staff of the UAE Navy aboard the Chevalier Paul

On 27 January 2013, the Air Defence Commander (FDA) Paul Knight, deployed in the Persian Gulf (GAP), has welcomed aboard the Chief of Naval Staff of United Arab Emirates (UAE CEMM) and the commander of the maritime zone of the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN).

The Chevalier Paul was a stopover in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 23 to 28 January 2013. On this occasion, Vice Admiral Mohammad Ibrahim Salem Al Musharrakh, CEMM UAE and Vice Admiral Marin Gillier ALINDIEN, met on board the frigate, at the invitation of Captain Nicolas Vaujour, Knight Commander Paul. The discussions focused on international affairs and development cooperation between France and UAE.

Warplane sale on French agenda in UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — France's president opened talks with top leaders in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday in hopes of pushing ahead efforts to sell up to 60 Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates and strengthen French ties in Gulf energy and defense industries.

The meetings by Francois Hollande, which include the UAE's president and head of the armed forces, also could test Gulf Arab support for France's attempts to weaken Islamist insurgents in Mali, including airstrikes launched last week.

The Gulf states have taken a higher military and political profile in the region following the Arab Spring uprising, including crackdowns on Islamist-inspired groups by the Western-backed Gulf leaders. Qatar and the UAE joined the NATO-led military campaign to topple Moammar Gadhafi in Libya, and the Gulf states have been leading the call to supply Syrian rebels with more powerful weapons.

Visiting a French naval base in Abu Dhabi, Hollande said there are 750 French troops in the Mali offensive and "the number will increase," according to French media.

Later, he opened a Future Energy Summit, which brought together policymakers and experts in green technology, by warning the world is headed for an environmental "catastrophe" unless leaders begin serious work on renewable energy and other eco-friendly initiatives.

Hollande urged for more investments in renewable energy and efforts to renovate older cities for greater energy efficiency. He added that he hoped Paris could host an international climate conference in 2015.

Hollande is hoping for a breakthrough in the stalled talks over the fighter jet sale by France's Dassault Aviation. The company has been in negotiations with the UAE for years in efforts to sell the Rafale, which is currently used only by France. The UAE is a major customer for U.S. warplanes and military equipment.

In late 2011, a senior UAE defense official cast doubts on the possible Rafale sale by claiming the Dassault was seeking "uncompetitive and unworkable commercial terms."

France's Hollande to push for Rafale sale in UAE

French President Francois Hollande will head to the United Arab Emirates next week where he will push the Gulf state to buy Rafale fighter jets, a French diplomatic source said Wednesday.

France is keen to make its first foreign sale of the Rafale, which has struggled to find buyers to support a project that has cost tens of billions of euros.

The source said no contract would be signed during Hollande's visit next Tuesday but that the potential sale was being discussed.

"The file is still on the table, it is obviously of great interest for French industry, it is being followed closely. It has chances of succeeding," the source said.

"I don't know if we should be optimistic or pessimistic. At one point we did have hopes that were disappointed," the source said.

After years of negotiating a purchase from the French aerospace firm Dassault, the UAE in late 2011 asked for a counter-offer from the Eurofighter consortium -- made up of Britain's BAE Systems, Italy's Finmeccanica and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

France is hoping the UAE will buy about 60 fighters in a boost to the struggling Rafale programme.

Qatar and Kuwait have indicated they are interested in Rafales but are waiting to see if the UAE will buy them first.

Fincantieri delivers "Abu Dhabi" ASW corvette and "Ghantut" FALAJ 2 patrol vessel to UAE Navy

The delivery ceremony of two vessels for the United Arab Emirates Navy was held today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia). These were an "Abu Dhabi Class" corvette, launched in February 2011, and the "Ghantut" patrol vessel, launched at the same yard in January 2012.

In the presence of Rear Admiral Ibrahim Salem Mohamed Al-Musharrakh, Head of the UAE Navy, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, Italian Navy Chief of Staff, who was represented on this occasion by Vice Admiral Alberto Gauzolino, Logistic Support and Light houses Inspector, Vice Admiral Andrea Toscano, Commander in Chief Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Department Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Ernesto Nencioni, Director for Naval Armaments and Alberto Maestrini, Fincantieri Executive Senior Vice President Naval Vessels, the ceremony began with the characteristic recitation of the Qur'an in accordance with the dictates of Islam.

Exemplifying Fincantieri's product excellence, both vessels stand out for their high level of flexibility in being able to carry out different types of mission in national and international waters (from patrol and surveillance, to defence against air and surface threats and attack against both land and sea targets), as well as for their high standards of accommodation and safety.

As evidence of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and the strong and fruitful partnership initiated with the Emirates, Fincantieri has set up the company Etihad Ship Building in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East; the purpose of the company, which is already operational, is to design, construct and sell both civilian and military ships, as well as carry out maintenance and refitting.

In fact, now more than ever, securing foreign orders means ships being built in local shipyards. It is therefore necessary to be suitably equipped to ensure that customers obtain quality and rapid delivery.
Fincantieri will be present from 17 to 21 February at the important "Idex" defence industry exhibition in Abu Dhabi, with an exhibit on the megayacht sector. ABU DHABI CLASS CORVETTE
The "Abu Dhabi class" project has evolved from the "Cigala Fulgosi" one, which led to the construction of four "Commandante" class ships for the Italian Navy. The contract also involves supplying the UAE Navy with logistical support and crew training. The vessel is 88 metres long with a 12 metre beam, has a full load displacement of 1650 tons, can reach a speed of 25 knots with a range of more than 3000 nautical miles at 14 knots (thanks to 2 diesel engines of 7000 kW each) and can accommodate a crew of about 70. This technologically advanced ship will be primarily engaged in patrolling and surveillance activities and could be used in anti-submarine, anti-air and surface actions. It will be able to exchange tactical data in real time with other naval vessels, helicopters and land bases and will provide support and shelter to UAE Navy helicopters. In addition to highly flexible operational capabilities, the vessel also features high standards of safety and accommodation for the comfort of its crew.

Muggiano: Double Delivery for the UAE Navy

   "Abu Dhabi" ASW corvette and "Ghantut" FALAJ2 patrol vessel

The delivery ceremony of two vessels for the United Arab Emirates Navy was held today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).

These were an "Abu Dhabi Class" corvette, launched in February 2011, and the "Ghantut" patrol vessel, launched at the same yard in January 2012.

In the presence of Rear Admiral Ibrahim Salem Mohamed Al-Musharrakh, Head of the UAE Navy, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, Italian Navy Chief of Staff, who was represented on this occasion by Vice Admiral Alberto Gauzolino, Logistic Support and Light houses Inspector, Vice Admiral Andrea Toscano, Commander in Chief Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Department Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Ernesto Nencioni, Director for Naval Armaments and Alberto Maestrini, Fincantieri Executive Senior Vice President Naval Vessels, the ceremony began with the characteristic recitation of the Qur'an in accordance with the dictates of Islam.

Exemplifying Fincantieri's product excellence, both vessels stand out for their high level of flexibility in being able to carry out different types of mission in national and international waters (from patrol and surveillance, to defence against air and surface threats and attack against both land and sea targets), as well as for their high standards of accommodation and safety.

As evidence of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and the strong and fruitful partnership initiated with the Emirates, Fincantieri has set up the company Etihad Ship Building in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East; the purpose of the company, which is already operational, is to design, construct and sell both civilian and military ships, as well as carry out maintenance and refitting.