The first of three BR71 Mk II corvettes ordered by the Angolan Navy has been rolled out of the assembly dock at CMN’s shipyard in Cherbourg France.
The development was confirmed by CMN on its official LinkedIn page. The vessel has now entered the final outfitting phase with specialists installing key systems including masts sensors and the 76-mm main gun mount.
The BR71 Mk II is an evolution of the Baynunah-class corvettes previously built for the United Arab Emirates and represents one of the largest combat vessels produced by CMN to date. The ships are designed to provide Angola with enhanced maritime security patrol and combat capabilities.
Armament on the class includes Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles VL MICA surface-to-air missiles Simbad RC launchers and a 76-mm naval gun. Leonardo is supplying the combat management system and sensors while Lacroix Defence is responsible for the electronic countermeasures suite.
In addition to their weapons fit the corvettes are capable of operating a helicopter an unmanned aerial vehicle and RHIB high-speed boats.
The programme forms part of a broader €1 billion contract signed in 2021 to modernise the Angolan Navy. The launch of the lead ship is scheduled for March 2026 followed by sea trials and delivery in October the same year.
Under the same agreement CMN has already delivered two 70-metre LCT-200 landing craft three Ocean Eagle 43 patrol vessels and port support ships to Angola.
To accelerate delivery construction has been split across multiple sites. While the first and second hulls are being built in France the third corvette is under construction at Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding supported by French engineers to ensure full class compatibility.
The second and third vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027.
