West Africa accounts for 36% of global piracy, robbery-at-sea incidents in Q1 2020
In the first quarter of 2020 a total of 60 instances of armed robbery and piracy were recorded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with a little over 36% (22 incidents) occurring in the West Africa region.
While the international efforts to counter piracy emanating from the Horn of Africa have been successful through the development of local security capabilities, the embarkation of private armed guards on shipping in transit and deployment of international naval forces, the same cannot be said about the seascape on the other side of the continent.
Instances of piracy and robbery-at-sea (defined as acts carried
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
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
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.