Abu Dhabi Ship Building Supplies Missile Boats to Kuwait

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has announced it has received a Letter of Award from its shareholder EDGE Group for the supply of Falaj3-class 62-metre Missile Boats to the Kuwait Naval Forces with a total contract value of approximately $2.45 billion.

This contract marks the largest naval shipbuilding export in the region and ranks among the highest-value naval export deals globally.

As the prime contractor, EDGE will lead the programme which includes the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the vessels, in addition to Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and In- Service Support (ISS).

EDGE will also provide the ammunition for the vessels, further demonstrating its end-to-end capability offering. Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), EDGE Group’s naval arm and the UAE’s leading shipbuilder, has been selected as the build subcontractor for the programme.

EDGE Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said that this agreement with Kuwait is hugely significant both in scale and strategic importance. It deepens long-term defence ties between the two nations, brings a proven class of advanced vessels into regional service, and reinforces EDGE’s position as a trusted international partner.

“It also reflects the pace of industrial and engineering progress we’ve achieved in just a few years, and our ability to design, build, and deliver complex naval platforms at scale. As we enter a new phase of export-led growth, this programme marks a clear signal of global confidence in what EDGE can deliver,” he said.

With the latest agreement, these advanced 62-metre vessels are tailored to meet Kuwait’s operational requirements, offering high performance, advanced combat systems, and enhanced capabilities for littoral defence operations.

This latest contract reinforces EDGE’s position as a trusted partner for customers seeking turnkey defence solutions and integrated long-term support, while driving the UAE’s strategic objectives for defence exports and industrial collaboration.

The FALAJ 3-class missile boat has also been selected by the UAE Navy, with the first vessel, ALTAF, formally commissioned into UAE service at NAVDEX in February 2025. This operational deployment reflects the vessel’s proven capability and performance in regional waters.

The remaining three vessels are under construction. The contract will be classified as a related-party contract under SCA regulations and will be presented to shareholders for approval in a General Meeting in due course.

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ADSB Chairman Khaled Al Zaabi said that this award is a very significant milestone in the strategic growth of ADSB, taking the company’s order book to approximately $4.08 billion – the highest level in its 30-year history.

“We are particularly proud that 75% of the order book is export business, furthering reinforcing ADSB’s value and position as a strategic national asset. We are very grateful to our Leadership for their invaluable support in securing this contract,” Al Zaabi added.

ADSB is a regional leader in the construction, repair, and refit of naval, military, and commercial vessels. With a state-of-the-art shipyard and a proven track record of success spanning nearly three decades, ADSB delivers innovative, reliable solutions to both regional and international clients, supporting the strategic vision of the UAE.