UNIPATH STAFF
The Royal Navy of Oman’s purchase of a second high-speed support vessel gives the country a greater ability to move troops, support anti-mining operations and launch helicopters at sea.
Named the RNOV Al Naasir, the all-aluminum ship was designed and built by Australian shipbuilder Austal as part of a $124.9 million contract. Austal delivered the first of the two high-speed support vessels to the Oman Navy in May 2016, and it was deployed to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The 72-meter-long Al Naasir is equipped to accommodate 260 troops. It can reach 38 knots, has a 395-ton carrying capacity and has a helipad for Oman’s NH-90 helicopters.
It can conduct helicopter operations, rapidly deploy military personnel and cargo, and deliver humanitarian aid, among other operations.
Speaking at a naming ceremony for the high-speed vessels, Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi said the ships represent an important addition to the Royal Navy of Oman fleet and “a continuation of a modernization process that is reinforcing Oman’s naval capabilities and supporting the Sultan Armed Forces.”
Sources: naval-techonology.com, IHS Jane’s 360, Austal.com, The Middle East Times