Italian shipyard Fincantieri announced that it has delivered to Qatar the first patrol vessel of the “Musherib” class. In total, Qatar will receive two Doha class plus Doha class corvettes and an LPD (similar to Algeria‘s “Kalaat Béni Abbès“, which is a version of the Italian “San Giorgio“), for €4 billion plus €1 billion for weapons.

The first ship (Q-61 “Musherib”) started construction in February 2019 and was launched in September 2020.

The second ship (Q-62 “Sheraouh“) was launched in June 2021. The “Musherib” is 63. 8 metres long, 9. 2 metres wide, 5. 65 metres deep and has a displacement of 725 tonnes at full load. They incorporate a CODAD propulsion system with four diesel engines. They achieve a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 kilometres per hour), while at a cruising speed of 15 knots (28 kilometres per hour) their range is 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 kilometres).

They require 38 crew members. Their main sensor is the Kronos multi-role radar. They also incorporate an integrated electronic warfare and electronic support system, an infrared target search and tracking system, a radar and electrostatic fire control system, two navigation radars and navigation aids.

They incorporate Thesan mine avoidance sonar, an integrated communications system and the advanced Athena combat management system. For their self-protection they incorporate four Sylena Mk. 2 expendable launchers.

Their armament consists of a 76 mm main gun from a VL MICA octal VL MICA anti-aircraft missile launcher, four MM-40 Block. 3 Exocet anti-ship missiles and two remote-controlled towers with 30 mm guns.