Defense Ministry of Kuwait to procure 8 "Falaj 3" missile boats from EDGE Group, located in Dubai.

Defense Ministry of Kuwait to procure 8 "Falaj 3" missile boats from EDGE Group, located in Dubai.

Spicing up Kuwait's naval might:

It's time to amp up the game in the Persian Gulf, as the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense has rolled out a whopping naval enhancement project. The project culminates in the purchase of eight "Falaj 3" class missile boats for the Kuwaiti Naval Force. This endeavor, bestowed upon the UAE-based defense juggernaut, EDGE Group, promises to transform the operational landscape of the Kuwaiti Naval Force.

The contract sees EDGE Group assuming responsibility for the complete shebang - from putting up the blueprints and hammering down the first nails, to running the gauntlet of tests till the seaworthy vessels roll off the assembly line. Reports stream in from Al-Jarida daily, shedding light on the collaboration.

Sitting pretty at a staggering $2.45 billion (AED 9 billion), this naval export deal in the Middle East ranks among the largest globally. The agreement also encompasses governance of logistics and in-service assistance. This strategic initiative signifies a gigantic leap forward in the operational capacity of the Kuwaiti Naval Force.

The newly minted missile boats are poised to boost combat readiness, firm up maritime security, and guard the strategic maritime interests of Kuwait with an iron fist.

The hoopla unfolded at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, where Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah graced the event with his presence. EDGE Group was represented by Managing Director and CEO, Hamad Al Marar, Head of Trade and Mission Support, Omar Al Zaabi, and the UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi.

Dive deeper:

• Contract Worth: The deal packs a serious punch, valued at around $2.45 billion (AED 9 billion), rating among the largest naval export deals globally.
• EDGE Group's Task: EDGE Group serves as the prime contractor, managing the design, construction, testing, and delivery of the vessels. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of EDGE, steps up as the build subcontractor.
• FALAJ 3 Missile Boats: The 62-meter long vessels are tailor-made to cater to Kuwait's unique operational requirements, featuring cutting-edge combat systems and superb capabilities for defensive missions. The deal includes logistics support, with EDGE shelling out ammunition for the vessels.
• Objectives: This project aims to fortify Kuwait's naval might, bolstering maritime security, and enhancing defense readiness. The collaboration strengthens the military bonds between the UAE and Kuwait and showcases the UAE's meteoric growth in the defense industrial sector as well as EDGE's role as a trusted international partner. The FALAJ 3 boats help Kuwait pursue naval deterrence, fortifying its regional security stance.

1. The FALAJ 3 missile boats, designed by EDGE Group, will not only bolster the combat readiness of the Kuwaiti Naval Force but also contribute significantly to the fortification of Kuwait's maritime security and defense against strategic threats.
2. The multi-billion dollar collaboration between EDGE Group and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense is expected to expand the scope of the UAE's influence in the finance and aerospace sectors, as EDGE Group, apart from its role in the naval enhancement project, also boasts of advanced solutions in these domains.

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