Al-Quwaisat-class landing ship
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.
Characteristics
The Al-Quwaisat class has a length of 80 metres (262 ft 6 in), a beam of 16.8 metres (55 ft 1 in), and a draught of 4 metres (13 ft 1 in). 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 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) for cruising and 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) for maximum. The ships are armed with light defensive weapons such as 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns.
Service history
The Al-Quwaisat class took part in UAE Navy operations in the Yemen conflict. They were involved in a logistic role to support allied forces in the operation.
On 16 October 2024, Al-Quwaisat participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with Indian Navy's INS Shardul during its visit to Port Rashid, Dubai as a part of long range training deployment.