According to a PR published by Fincantieri on May 16, 2023, the delivery of the corvette “Semaisma”, the fourth and last of the Al Zubarah-class ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.
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Al Zubarah class corvette Semaisma. (Picture source: Fincantieri)
Among those present at the ceremony were notable figures such as Staff Major General (Sea) Abdullah Hassan Al-Sulaiti, the Commander of Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, H.E. Khalid bin Yousef Al-Sada, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Italy, Major General Hassan Rashid Al Ali, Head of Qatar Armed Forces Projects, Staff Major General Hilal Al Muhannadi, the Defense Attaché of the State of Qatar in Rome, Vice Admiral Salvatore Vitiello, the Commanding Officer of the Italian Navy Logistic Command and Naval Equipment Inspector, and Dario Deste, the General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division of Fincantieri.
The Al Zubarah-class corvettes, designed in compliance with RINAMIL regulations, are projected to be highly versatile, ready to undertake a multitude of tasks ranging from surveillance and sea rescue operations to combat missions.
With a length of about 107 meters and a width of 14.70 meters, they will be powered by a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD) propelling them to a maximum speed of 28 knots. The vessels will have the capacity to accommodate 112 personnel on board.
The class has a displacement of 3,250 long tons (3,300 t) and an impressive range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi). The ship's endurance is 21 days, allowing it to remain at sea for extended periods.
For sensors and processing systems, the Al Zubarah class is equipped with the Thesan mine avoidance sonar and the Leonardo KRONOS 3D multi-function radar for accurate detection and tracking of targets. It also features the Athena combat system, an advanced command and control platform.
The vessel is equipped with electronic warfare capabilities and decoys, including four Sylena Mk2 decoy launchers, which can create false targets to confuse enemy tracking systems.
In terms of armament, the Al Zubarah class is well-armed for a variety of combat scenarios. Its primary weapon is an OTO Melara 76 mm gun. For air defense, the ship carries 16 Aster 30 Block 1 surface-to-air missiles. For maritime strike missions, she is equipped with eight Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles.
The ship also has two Hitrole remote weapons for close-in defense. Additionally, she carries the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile, a lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile used as a point-defense weapon against anti-ship cruise missiles.
In addition, the corvettes will have the capability to operate high-speed boats like the RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) using lateral cranes or a hauling ramp situated at the stern. The flight deck and hangar will be adequately sized to accommodate an NH90 helicopter.
