US supplies latest vessel to strengthen Caribbean and Central American security
The latest NCPV donated by the US to a partner country ahead of its journey to Guatemala. (Photo: Metal Shark)
A US Navy Rear Admiral highlighted the importance of the US working closely with allies in its own backyard as Louisiana shipbuilder delivers latest patrol vessel to partner nation.
The US has continued to donate equipment to the militaries of its allies across the Caribbean and throughout Central America throughout 2024, with the objective of improving its partners’ internal security and to help the crack down on transnational crimes, particularly the smuggling of narcotics.
On 10 May, Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark announced that a Near Coastal Patrol Vessel (NCPV) was en route to Guatemala to be delivered to the country’s armed forces. In 2017, the US Navy contracted Metal Shark to manufacture up to 13 NCPVs for US partners throughout the Caribbean and Central America as part of a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies]()
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
