The Angolan Navy launched its first BR71 MK II Combattante corvette, the NRA Ekuikui II, in Cherbourg, France, on 4 March 2026 to begin a new era of maritime surveillance (verified on 15 Mar 2026). This vessel is the first of three ships ordered under a one billion euro modernisation contract aimed at securing the nation’s Atlantic coastline.
The ceremony in Cherbourg marks the start of a broader fleet renewal for the Marinha de Guerra Angolana (MGA). While the first and third vessels are being built by French shipbuilder CMN Naval, the second is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi. This arrangement involves a technology transfer to Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of the UAE-based EDGE Group.
Each of the three corvettes will carry two HT-100 NAVAL unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to extend their sensory reach. These Swiss-designed unmanned helicopters are produced by ANAVIA, a company in which the EDGE Group acquired a 52 per cent majority stake in late 2023. The integration of these platforms into the ship’s combat management system (CMS) allows the crew to monitor vast areas without launching manned aircraft.
Ishan Sahgal, Founder and Co-CEO of ANAVIA, noted that the system provides a proven force multiplier for maritime surveillance. He stated that the company is delivering the HT-100 alongside a custom-made control station and full logistics support. This package includes training for Angolan personnel to operate the drones in high-stakes maritime environments.
Technical Synergy in Littoral Defense
The HT-100 NAVAL uses a dual intermeshing Flettner rotor system, often called a synchropter, which provides superior stability in high winds. Because the two rotors turn in opposite directions, they cancel out torque, removing the need for a traditional tail rotor. This design directs more engine power toward vertical lift and allows for a more compact footprint on the vessel’s flight deck.
A 15 kW shaft turbine engine powers the aircraft, allowing it to run on standard Jet A-1 fuel already stored on the mother ship. The turbine provides a maximum airspeed of 120 kilometres per hour and an endurance of up to 360 minutes. This six-hour flight time is a notable improvement over battery-powered quadcopters and allows for persistent patrolling of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Engineers designed the HT-100 with a carbon composite structure to resist the corrosive effects of salt spray and humidity. The system is also ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), meaning it does not contain restricted United States defence components. This status simplifies the export and long-term maintenance of the system for African defence forces.
The drone carries a 60-kilogram combined payload and fuel capacity, typically supporting electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) gimbals for day and night tracking. It can also be fitted with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) sensors to detect “dark vessels” that have turned off their transponders. These capabilities are critical for identifying illegal fishing vessels and pirate skiffs in the Gulf of Guinea.
The BR71 MK II corvette itself is a 71-meter platform designed for littoral warfare and coastal patrol. It features a stealthy silhouette with a reduced radar cross-section and can reach speeds of 30 knots. Four diesel engines and four water jets provide the propulsion needed for rapid interception or long-range transit.
The ship’s armament includes a 76mm main gun from Leonardo and two 20mm Lionfish remote-controlled weapon stations. For higher-intensity threats, it carries eight Exocet Block 3C anti-ship missiles and eight vertical launch cells for MICA VL air defence missiles. The two HT-100 drones act as the eyes of this weapons suite, identifying targets well beyond the ship’s radar horizon.
The integration process ensures that the drone’s data feed is visible on the ship’s bridge and in the operations room. Using an encrypted MESH IP data link, the HT-100 can transmit high-definition video up to 200 kilometres from the corvette. This link allows commanders to verify a contact and decide on a response while the ship remains at a safe distance.
Operational trade-offs for such systems often involve the complexity of maintaining turbine engines and high-tech sensors in remote regions. However, ANAVIA is addressing this by providing integrated logistics support directly to the Angolan Navy. The autonomous deck-landing system also reduces the risk of accidents during recovery in heavy seas.
The broader strategic goal for Angola is to play a more active role in the Yaoundé Architecture, a regional security framework for the Gulf of Guinea. This region sees a high volume of global oil and gas transport and remains a primary target for maritime crime. By deploying the Ekuikui II and its drones, Angola can provide better security for its offshore oil platforms and shipping lanes.
The use of autonomous systems also addresses the challenge of personnel shortages. A single drone operator can conduct a six-hour patrol that would otherwise require a full crew on a manned helicopter or a smaller patrol boat. This efficiency allows the navy to maintain a continuous presence in its waters with fewer resources.
EDGE Group’s involvement in Angola extends beyond the sea, as the company recently signed agreements to develop a nationwide border security program. This partnership emphasises the growing defence ties between Luanda and Abu Dhabi. The transfer of technology to ADSB for the second corvette demonstrates a commitment to building regional industrial capacity.
The launch of the Ekuikui II is a major step toward closing the capability gap in the southern Atlantic. As the second and third vessels enter service, the Angolan Navy will possess one of the most modern littoral fleets in sub-Saharan Africa. The integration of high-end UAS on small surface combatants sets a new standard for maritime security in the region.
Initial sea trials for the Ekuikui II and its integrated HT-100 units will likely continue through the remainder of 2026. These tests will focus on the autonomous landing system and the stability of the data link in various weather conditions. Successful completion of these trials will lead to the formal commissioning of the vessel and its first operational deployment.