Oman’s first Khareef put through its paces

Richard Scott

Monday, 21 February, 2011

Al-Shamikh, the first of three new 99m ocean patrol vessels being built by BAE Systems Surface Ships for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) under Project Khareef, has completed its platform and machinery trials during just over three weeks of testing off the south coast of England.

Ordered from what was then VT Shipbuilding in January 2007, the three 2,600-tonne displacement Khareef ships will be the largest and most complex surface combatants ever to serve with the RNO.

Thales Nederland is principal subcontractor for the combat system scope of supply, while MBDA is equipping the Khareef ships with its VL MICA local area air defence system and MM40 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missile.

Running from 21 January to 16 February, the platform trials programme, overseen by representatives from the RNO, demonstrated the performance of Al-Shamikh’s power, propulsion and navigation systems across a range of evolutions. According to BAE Systems, the ship achieved its 25kt contract speed, and demonstrated excellent seakeeping characteristics.

A follow-on programme of combat systems trials is due to start in the second quarter of 2011, leading to a handover to the RNO sometime in the middle of this year.

Al-Shamikh will subsequently undergo a period of training with the UK’s Flag Officer Sea Training organisation before transiting to Oman. First-of-class missile firings are expected to be conducted off France en route.

The second Khareef vessel, Al-Rahmani, was launched from BAE Systems Surface Ships’ Portsmouth yard in July 2010. The third and final ship of the class is due to be launched in mid-2011.