Metal Shark gains FMS modification for four Defiant-class patrol boats
Example of a Metal Shark-built Near Coastal Patrol Vessel. (Photo: Metal Shark)
Metal Shark will establish FY2022 and FY2023 pricing for four Near Coastal Patrol Vessels destined to be operated by US allies in Central America and the Caribbean.
Metal Shark has received a $36.19 million FMS contract modification from US Naval Sea Systems Command to establish FY2022 and FY2023 pricing for four Near Coastal Patrol Vessels (NCPVs).
‘This modification supports Foreign Military Sales (FMS) orders from nations within the US Southern Command area of responsibility,’ the DoD announced on 24 March. ‘Specific FMS sales will be identified as future delivery orders occur.’
Work will be performed in Franklin, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by November 2024.
In all, Metal Shark is producing 13 NCPVs (also known as 85 Defiant-class patrol boats) under a $54 million FMS contract from the USN to support Caribbean and Central American allies such as the Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
NCPV is based on the Damen Stan Patrol 2606 platform. Each boat displaces 55t and is 25.9m long, 6m in the beam and 1.8m in draught, powered by two 1,600hp Caterpillar C-32 engines.
Armament includes the option to carry a single 12.7mm machine gun and two 7.62mm machine guns.
The boats are designed to carry a 5.6m rigid-hull inflatable boat.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
