The first BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy has been launched in France through a partnership between EDGE Group and CMN Naval. Named NRA Ekuikui II, the vessel is part of a €1-billion contract covering three ships intended to improve Angola’s coastal defense and maritime monitoring. Construction responsibilities are shared between CMN Naval and Abu Dhabi Ship Building. The 71-meter warship can travel at speeds up to 30 knots and has an operational range of about 2,500 nautical miles. Each ship will carry two HT-100 unmanned helicopters capable of six hours of endurance while performing reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.
