Fincantieri Delivers Advanced Air Defense LPD “Al-Fulk” to Qatar

Fincantieri, a leading Italian shipbuilding company, has marked a significant achievement with the delivery of the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Al-Fulk to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. The handover ceremony, held at the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia, Italy, represented the culmination of an ambitious naval program. This program included the delivery of four Al Zubarah-class corvettes, two Musherib-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), and the highly advanced Al-Fulk.

The event brought together high-ranking officials, including Staff Major General Abdulla Bin Hassan Al Sulaiti of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and Vice Admiral Andrea Gueglio of the Italian Navy, alongside key figures from Fincantieri. The collaboration reflects a growing relationship between Italy and Qatar in the realm of advanced naval technology and defense cooperation.

A Technologically Advanced Vessel

Built at Fincantieri's Palermo and Muggiano facilities, Al-Fulk embodies cutting-edge naval engineering. At approximately 143 meters in length and 21.5 meters in width, the ship boasts a displacement of 9,000 tonnes and is constructed to meet RINAMIL standards, which ensure superior performance in diverse operational scenarios. This includes humanitarian aid, amphibious operations, and air and sea defense missions.

The LPD can accommodate up to 550 personnel, offering significant logistical flexibility. Key onboard features include a flight deck designed to host NH90 helicopters, a garage equipped with two ramps for heavy vehicles, and a floodable dock capable of deploying landing craft. These capabilities make Al-Fulk a versatile asset for both peacetime operations and high-intensity conflicts.

Advanced Air Defense Capabilities

One of Al-Fulk’s standout features is its integration of state-of-the-art air defense systems, tailored to meet Qatar’s specific strategic needs. The ship is equipped with two eight-cell Sylver A50 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) housing MBDA’s Aster 30 Block 1 missiles. These form part of the SAAM-ESD (Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile Extended Self-Defense) system, offering robust protection against a range of aerial threats, including tactical ballistic missiles.

The vessel's radar suite further enhances its defensive capabilities. It features Leonardo’s Kronos multifunction radar, also installed on the Al Zubarah-class corvettes, complemented by the larger Kronos Power Shield L-band radar. This combination provides an extended detection range, creating a shared long-range air picture with other Qatari naval assets. Together, these systems give Al-Fulk an edge comparable to land-based SAMP/T missile defense systems but with added flexibility and mobility at sea.

A Global Collaboration in Defense

The Al-Fulk project is part of a €5 billion contract signed in 2017 between Qatar and Italy. The deal encompasses a range of vessels, including corvettes, OPVs, and this air defense LPD, showcasing the depth of technological and industrial cooperation between the two nations. The ship’s design is derived from the “BDSL Kalaat Beni Abbes,” delivered by Fincantieri to Algeria in 2015, with significant upgrades tailored to Qatar’s requirements.

Fincantieri has also outfitted Al-Fulk with Sylena MK2 decoy launchers from Lacroix, enhancing its survivability against advanced missile threats. These defensive systems ensure that the ship is prepared for complex modern warfare scenarios, making it a cornerstone of Qatar’s maritime strategy.

Strengthening Qatar's Naval Forces

The delivery of Al-Fulk underscores Qatar's commitment to modernizing its navy and bolstering its maritime security. Working in tandem with the Al Zubarah-class corvettes, the LPD will form a critical part of the country's integrated air defense network. The ship’s ability to share real-time threat data across platforms enhances its role as a force multiplier, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.

As Qatar continues to invest in advanced naval technologies, Al-Fulk represents a significant leap forward, blending innovation, adaptability, and strategic foresight. For Fincantieri, the project highlights its expertise in delivering complex naval platforms that meet the highest operational standards.