The Egyptian Navy has recently marked a significant milestone in its naval arsenal with the launch of the ENS Al-Jabbar, the fourth MEKO A-200 EN frigate, at the Alexandria Shipyard.

This development comes as the culmination of a monumental project undertaken by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems under a lucrative $2.7-billion contract with the Egyptian government.

A Technological Marvel: ENS Al-Jabbar Specifications

Scheduled to enter active service in 2024, the ENS Al-Jabbar represents the final vessel of the Al-Aziz-class frigates and is poised to play a pivotal role in various strategic operations within the Egyptian Navy’s fleet.

Boasting a robust capacity, the vessel will accommodate a crew of 120 personnel and can host up to 50 specialized forces for critical missions, further amplifying its operational prowess.

Measuring an impressive 121 meters (397 feet) in length and 16.3 meters (53 feet) in width, the Al-Jabbar possesses a displacement of 3,700 tons, making it a substantial addition to Egypt’s maritime fleet.

Its design allows for a top speed of 29 knots (33 miles/53 kilometers per hour) and an extensive range of 7,200 nautical miles (8,300 miles/13,357 kilometers) at 16 knots (18 miles/29 kilometers per hour).

Enhanced Capabilities and Arsenal

One of the key strengths of the Al-Jabbar lies in its formidable arsenal.

Equipped with advanced weaponry, the frigate features a rapid-fire OTO 127/64 light-weight gun assembly, 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles, two torpedo launchers, and 2 Mauser BK-27 27mm guns.

Moreover, its tactical capabilities are enhanced by a towed-array sonar and a Thales NS-110 4D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, ensuring precision in navigation and surveillance operations.

Versatility in Mission Scope

The primary mission scope for the Al-Jabbar encompasses a multifaceted approach, ranging from specialized support for the Egyptian Navy’s special forces to pivotal roles in search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian missions.

Its versatility and advanced technological features make it an invaluable asset for safeguarding maritime interests and responding to various contingencies with agility and efficiency.

The Blohm + Voss shipyard in Germany designed the MEKO 200 frigate, which is part of the MEKO series of warships.

MEKO is a portmanteau for “Mehrzweck-Kombination,” which translates to multi-purpose-combination.

In May of this year, the Egyptian Navy deployed two MEKO A-200 ENS frigates – the ENS Al-Aziz and ENS Al-Qahhar – while the construction of the ENS Al-Qadeer and ENS Al-Jabbar are in the works.

This monumental stride in naval expansion traces back to December 2021 when the German government initially greenlit the sale of three frigates to Egypt, a decision later augmented to four vessels and subsequently escalated to the current procurement of six frigates, with plans for some to be manufactured within Egypt’s borders.

The maiden vessel from this substantial acquisition was officially handed over to Egypt in October last year, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Cairo’s naval capabilities and solidifying its presence within the global maritime domain.

Egyptian
Al-Jabbar frigate. 

A Strategic Advancement for Egypt

The Al-Jabbar‘s induction into the Egyptian Navy’s fleet underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its maritime capabilities and maintaining a robust defense infrastructure.

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the strategic significance of modern and versatile naval assets becomes increasingly pronounced, and the addition of the Al-Jabbar reinforces Egypt’s position in the regional maritime landscape.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ successful completion of this substantial contract signifies the technological prowess and the collaborative efforts between international entities in fortifying Egypt’s defense capabilities.

The culmination of this project stands as a testament to the synergy between industry expertise and governmental objectives in advancing national security interests.

Charting the Course Ahead

With its cutting-edge technology and multifunctional capabilities, the ENS Al-Jabbar embodies the future of naval warfare, poised to navigate the seas adeptly and uphold Egypt’s maritime supremacy.

As it prepares to join the Egyptian Navy’s fleet in the upcoming year, anticipation mounts regarding the significant role it will play in enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities and strategic influence in the region.

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