EDGE Group of the UAE and French shipbuilder CMN Naval have launched the first BR71 MK II Combattante-class corvette for the Angolan Navy at a shipyard in Cherbourg. The vessel, named NRA Ekuikui II, marks the first of three warships ordered under a 1-billion-euro ($1.1-billion) contract signed in February 2023 to strengthen Angola’s maritime security capabilities.
The first corvette is scheduled for delivery in October 2026, while the second and third ships are expected in April 2027 and October 2027, respectively, according to Serge Quaranta, CEO of CMN. The BR71 Mk II design is derived from the Baynunah-class corvette developed for the UAE Navy through collaboration between CMN and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the naval arm of EDGE.
Under the program, EDGE assigned CMN Naval the design and construction of the first and third corvettes, while ADSB will build the second vessel in Abu Dhabi. The launch also reflects the expanding defense cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Angola, which signed a comprehensive land and maritime border security agreement in October.
ADSB has already delivered six 12-meter interceptor boats and one of five 16-meter high-speed interceptor vessels to the Angolan Navy as part of the broader maritime security program.
The BR71 MK II Combattante measures 71 meters (233 feet) in length, can reach speeds of 30 knots (56 km/h), and has a range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 km). Each vessel will deploy two HT-100 unmanned helicopter systems developed by ANAVIA, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of EDGE.
Designed for intelligence and surveillance missions in diverse environments, the HT-100 uses a 15-kilowatt turbine engine, allowing flights of up to six hours while carrying payloads of up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). According to ANAVIA founder and co-CEO Ishan Sahgal, the company will also provide a custom control station, logistics support, and training for the system.
