ADSB's FA-400 OPV on display at NAVDEX 2025. (Janes/Kate Tringham)
Edge Group subsidiary Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) showcased for the first time in public its new 45 m offshore patrol vessel (OPV), the FA-400, at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February.
The OPV, which started construction in October 2024 and was completed in just five months, is the latest in ADSB's line of products, designed with full intellectual property (IP) ownership and constructed entirely in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Speaking to Janes at NAVDEX 2025 on 17 February, Abdelrahman Alrousi, ADSB director of business development, said the construction of the OPV was subcontracted to Dubai-based shipbuilder Grandweld Shipyards, with ADSB having overall responsibility for project management.
The vessel has been designed to defend against conventional and evolving threats and is equipped to perform a wide range of territorial and coastal duties, including search-and-rescue, area surveillance, and patrol missions.
With an overall length of 45 m, a beam of 8 m, and a draft of 2.4 m, the baseline vessel has a full load displacement of 640 tonnes. Alrousi said the modular design of the vessel means the length can be increased to 49 m or reduced to 42 m depending on customer requirements.
The OPV carries a complement of 20 (including three officers and a crew of 17) and can accommodate an additional 10 special forces on board as required.
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