Qatari navy’s new amphibious ship to help fulfil nation’s ‘unique’ needs - Breaking Defense

A new, amphibious ship will soon enter service for the Qatari navy, the second of seven ships to be built for a total of $5.9 billion by Italian ship maker Fincantieri.

And while the larger deal, signed in 2017, includes four corvettes as well as two offshore patrol vessels, the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious vessel in particular, dubbed “Al Fulk,” is expected to fulfil a unique role for a unique nation.

“The LPD is a niche capability that could be the backbone of a multinational operation in the region and significantly augment the capabilities of partner navies,” Andreas Krieg, CEO of the London-based consulting firm MENA Analytica, told Breaking Defense. “It could function as a hub for greater maritime operations in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.”

He added that vessel is a multirole platform that can be used on humanitarian operations as well, such as evacuation missions, which would tie in with Qatar’s aid and development goals.

The Al Fulk LPD was launched Jan. 24 in Italy at a ceremony attended by Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, and Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, along with other high-ranking guests.