Al-Quwaisat-class landing ship explained

The Al-Quwaisat class is a series of Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) of the United Arab Emirates Navy (UAE Navy). They were built by the Malaysian company Shin Yang based on the company's 80 m LST design. Two ships have been completed and in service with UAE Navy with one more ordered in 2020.^[1]

Characteristics

The Al-Quwaisat class has a length of 80m (260feet), a beam of 16.8m (55.1feet), and a draught of 4m (13feet). The ship has a complement of 106. The LSTs have a capacity to carry cargo, marine troops, tanks and helicopters. They have a displacement of 2,046 tonnes and a speed of 12knot for cruising and 14knot for maximum. The ships are armed with light defensive weapons such as 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns.^[2]

Service history

The Al-Quwaisat class took part in UAE Navy operations in the Yemen conflict.^[3] They were involved in a logistic role to support allied forces in the operation.^[4]

Ships of the class

Pennant	Name	Builders	Launched	Commissioned
A81	Al-Quwaisat^[5]	Shin Yang, Malaysia	17/10/2012	2/10/2013
A82	Al-Futaisi^[6]	29/10/2012	2/10/2013
A83	Al-Taweelah^[7]	7/7/2020	2021^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Shin Yang delivers two 80M LCT vessels to UAE Navy. October 17, 2012. Borneo Post Online.
2. Web site: MRSS As Well, Plan B Shorts - Malaysian Defence.
3. Web site: West of Suez for the United Arab Emirates. September 2, 2016. War on the Rocks.
4. Web site: The Emirati Navy Arrives in Eritrea. Stratfor.
5. Web site: AL QUWAISAT (Warship). FleetMon.com.
6. Web site: ALFUTAISI, Landing Craft - Details and current position - IMO 9644653 - VesselFinder. www.vesselfinder.com.
7. Web site: Malaysia Shipping & Shipyard | Shin Yang Shipping Corp - Hull 987 Launching Ceremony. www.syshippingcorp.com.my.
8. Web site: Indian Navy's 1st Training Squadron Visits Dubai and Undertakes Maritime Partnership Exercise.