(MENAFN - Gulf Times) A corvette (Damsah) of the Amiri Naval Forces, built by Italy s Fincantieri, was launched in the Italian city of La Spezia, the Ministry of Defence said in a tweet Saturday.
The launch took place in the presence of Major-General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayarin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics, and Rear Admiral Giorgio Lazio from the Italian Navy.
The ceremony also included the laying of the keel of another corvette (Simaisma).
The corvette project is part of initiatives undertaken to further develop the competence of the Amiri Naval Forces. A number of other officials and dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Last updated: February 14 2021 12:42 AM
Qatar and Italy have enjoyed strong political and economic relations for decades. The two countries have been working closely in the fields of defense and security.
Earlier, in 2016, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) had signed a €4 billion deal with Italian shipbuilding company, Fincantieri, to build and supply the country with seven new-generation military vessels.
The deal also includes 15 years of support services after the delivery of the vessels. All units will be built entirely in Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards.
Yesterday, the second corvette under this agreement was unveiled at a ceremony held in the Italian city La Spezia.
MoD inaugurated Damsa corvette, the Ministry announced on its Twitter page.
The Italian shipyard laid the keel of the fourth and final ship of the class as well.
Luca Peruzzi contributed to this story .
Ship photographer Giorgio Arra was on site
(Gulf of La Spezia) to contribute the pictures.
The ceremony, held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements, was attended by Major General Mubarak Mohammed A.K. Al-Khayarin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics Affairs for Qatar Armed Forces, Rear Admiral Giorgio Lazio, Italian Navy Maritime Commander – Area North, and Giuseppe Giordo, General Manager of the Naval Vessel Division of Fincantieri.
The first ship-in-class was launched