French shipbuilder CMN on March 4, 2026, held a christening and launching ceremony for the first BR71 MKII corvette for the navy of Angola. The NRA Ekuikui II (F300) is the first of three vessels on order by the Angolan Navy.
According to CMN, “This launch marks a major milestone in a structuring capability program, combining construction in France and technology transfer to the ADSB (Abu Dhabi Ship Building) shipyard. It demonstrates the strength of a long-term strategic partnership between CMN, ADSB, and the Angolan Navy, based on trust, industrial excellence, and mastery of critical naval technologies.”
For the record, a €1 billion contract was signed in February 2023 between the EDGE Group—a UAE-based advanced technology and defense conglomerate comprising 25 companies—and the Angolan government. Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), an entity of EDGE, will construct, three advanced 71-meter light corvettes for the Angolan Navy as well as a number of inshore patrol vessels and transport ships, incorporating technology transfer from CMN. An integrated logistic support (ILS) package is included in the deal. Two will be manufactured in Cherbourg by CMN and one in Abu Dhabi by ADSB. These ships will be some of the most advanced warships in their class in Africa.
Steel for the first corvette was cut in December 2023, and the hull was laid down in March 2024. Delivery of the NRA Ekuikui II is expected in October 2026, followed by the remaining ships in April 2027 and October 2027.
The Combattante BR71 MKII Design
The 71-metre Combattante ΒR71 MK II is a significant evolution and upgrade of CMN’s proven Baynunah-class (BR71 MKI design) corvette, which is currently in service with the UAE Navy with six vessels. Designed by CMN Naval for littoral warfare, the BR71 corvette is engineered to counter air and surface threats while also excelling in surveillance missions. The company highlights it as a fast, powerful, compact, and modular warship.
According to CMN, the MKII design incorporates significant technological improvements, while capitalizing on proven operational experience. The platform and its combat system have undergone validation in real-world conditions (sea-proven and combat-proven), guaranteeing robustness, reliability, and operational effectiveness.
Designed around a steel hull, an aluminum superstructure, and an architecture optimized for stealth, the Combattante BR71 MKII is a versatile naval power tool capable of:
Technical Characteristics and Capabilities
By Dimitris Mitsopoulos
With a length overall (LOA) of 70.30 meters and a length between perpendiculars of 62.3 meters, it features a maximum breadth of 11 meters and a depth to the main deck of 6 meters. The vessel’s full load displacement is approximately 900 tons, with a maximum draught of around 3 meters.
Performance-wise, the platform achieves a maximum speed of 30 knots (at half load) and a cruising speed of 12 knots, offering a range of 2,500 nautical miles at 12 knots cruising speed. Its fuel capacity is 100 tons, providing an endurance of 15 days, and it accommodates a crew of 50. Propulsion is powered by four MTU diesel engines located in two engine rooms, driving four Kongsberg waterjets, with two steering jets and two booster jets ensuring exceptional maneuverability and speed.
The platform’s hallmark is its operational adaptability, featuring Class II UAS operations and a 5-ton helicopter. The UAS is believed to be among the naval unmanned VTOL systems included in EDGE’s portfolio. The corvette’s expansive modular layout supports diverse mission requirements, while two 7.5-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) with davit launching and recovering systems, enhance versatility for boarding, rescue, and inspection tasks.
Weapon and sensor systems
By Dimitris Mitsopoulos
The armament includes eight MBDA MM40 EXOCET Block 3C surface-to-surface missile (SSM) and a Leonardo OTO76/62 Super Rapido main gun. Directly behind the main gun is a row of eight vertical launching system (VLS) cells for the MBDA VL MICA surface-to-air missiles (SAM). Atop the RHIB hangar, two MBDA SIMBAD-RC trainable launchers are mounted, carrying a total of four fire-and-forget MISTRAL 3 SAM.
Located amidships, between the main mast and the SSM launchers, are two Leonardo LIONFISH remote weapon stations (RWS), likely the LIONFISH 20mm variant, which will also be installed on the Greek Kimon-class (FDI HN) frigates and the upgraded Island-class coastal patrol vessels. Near the SSM launchers, two decoy launching systems (DLS), confirmed to be the Lacroix SYLENA LW, are present.
The sensor systems includes a Leonardo KRONOS NAVAL HP C-band multi-function radar (MFR) enclosed within the conical radome of the integrated mast atop the bridge, along with a Leonardo NA-25X fire control radar (FCR) and Leonardo Medusa MK4 EO/IR system positioned forward of the radar dome. A small mast at the rear and above the RHIB bay is fitted with communication equipment.
Above the radar dome, the ELT/332 integrated radar and communications electronic support measures (R-ESM & C-ESM) and communications intelligence (COMINT) sensor is installed, that is provided by ELT Group (Elettronica). The ELT/332 system is also deployed on the two Musherib-class fast attack craft (FACM) of the Qatari Emiri Navy and the two Bani Yas-class (GOWIND 2800) corvettes of the UAE. As most of the sensor suite is supplied by Leonardo, the combat management system (CMS) is the ATHENA C Mk2. Overall, the electronic equipment layout closely resembles that of the Falaj 3-class armed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
