H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Staff Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan Commission ‘ALTAF' missile boat, the First-of-Class of FALAJ3 programme, at NAVDEX 2025
The vessel's official commissioning at NAVDEX 2025 brought together ADSB and EDGE leadership alongside esteemed dignitaries
Abu Dhabi, UAE:February 2025 – EDGE Group entity, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, has celebrated the commissioning of the ALTAF missile boat, the first-of-class of the FALAJ3 programme, into service.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition NAVDEX 2025 in the presence of H.H Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, and Staff Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, joined by EDGE Group leadership, senior UAE Navy officials, and a distinguished delegation of dignitaries.
Khaled Al Zaabi, President – Platforms & Systems, EDGE and Chairman of ADSB, said: 'The commissioning of the 'ALTAF', the first-of-class vessel of the prestigious FALAJ3 programme, is a proud moment for EDGE, ADSB, and the UAE's defence industry. This achievement underscores our leadership in delivering sophisticated naval capabilities and reflects the nation's ambition to be at the forefront of naval innovation. I congratulate the entire ADSB team for their dedication and engineering excellence in delivering a programme of this scale, setting a new benchmark for national shipbuilding and reinforcing the UAE's sovereign capabilities.'
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: 'Delivering the first-of-class 'ALTAF' is a testament to ADSB's ability to execute complex naval programmes with precision and efficiency. This vessel showcases the strength of our engineering, the dedication of our team, and our commitment to advancing the UAE's shipbuilding industry. Successfully taking a project of this scale from design to commissioning reflects ADSB's growing role as a regional leader in maritime defence. I commend our entire team for their relentless pursuit of excellence and contribution to enhancing the UAE's sovereign naval capabilities.'
Designed and built entirely in the UAE, the 62-metre missile boat marks a key milestone in ADSB and EDGE's vision of strengthening the nation's sovereign naval capabilities.
About EDGE:
Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.
With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators and international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security.
About ADSB:
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) is the regional leader in the new build, repair, maintenance, refit and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, and runs one of the most advanced shipyards in the region with a successful track record spanning almost a quarter of a century. Part of the Platforms & Systems cluster of EDGE, ADSB plays a key role in increasing the UAE's naval defence capabilities and in keeping the UAE's maritime fleet in prime operational condition. The company is also involved in the civilian energy sector, providing fabrication, maintenance and refurbishment services for static offshore energy infrastructure. As an ambitious market leader, ADSB is striving to make a global impact and shape the future of the industry by delivering innovative and dependable solutions that bring added value to clients and other stakeholders, both military and civilian.
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