NAVDEX 2023: United Arab Emirates CICPA showcases OPV Arialah


The UAE Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) took advantage of the NAVDEX defense exhibition to exhibit several of its ships. This is the case of the Arialah class Offshore Patrol Vessel Arialah.


Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 Arialah class offshore patrol vessel Arialah, Abu Dhabi. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)


The Arialah class patrol boats serve as crucial assets for the United Arab Emirates Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Agency (CICPA). These vessels have a length of 67 meters (220 feet), a beam of 11 meters (36 feet), and a draft of 5.4 meters (18 feet).

Powered by 4 MTU diesel engines, they can achieve a top speed of over 20 knots and maintain an endurance of up to 21 days. The vessel's complement consists of 42 officers and crew, with additional berthing for 35 troops.

The patrol boats are equipped with a range of advanced sensors and processing systems, including the Thales STIR fire control and Thales Smart-S Mark 2 search radar, as well as the Mirador electro-optical system. For electronic warfare and decoys, the vessels are equipped with a Multi Ammunition Softkill System.

In terms of armament, the Arialah class patrol boats are fitted with a Bofors 57 mm gun Mk3, two OTO Melara 30 mm guns, and a mk49 mod2 11-cell RAM launcher for the RAM missile system. Additionally, these vessels feature an aft helicopter deck for aviation operations.