USCG orders 39 response boats
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has placed a $15 million order with Metal Shark Aluminum Boats for 39 Response Boats-Small II (RB-S IIs) and associated equipment, it announced on 8 August.
The boats will be produced and delivered through to July 2017. This order will bring the number of RB-S II ordered by the coast guard to 263. A total of 204 have been delivered by the company to date.
The RB-S II is a 29ft high-speed platform that can be deployed close to shore for missions such as drug and migrant interdiction, environmental response, port security, law enforcement and search and rescue.
The boats can travel at speeds exceeding 40 knots, and are designed to reduce crew fatigue. They are replacing the 25ft RB-S boats that are reaching the end of their planned ten-year service lives.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties]()
German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties
The test-firing of an Israel Aerospace Industries LORA ballistic missile from a German vessel highlights the Bundeswehr’s focus on speed to capability as it trials Israel’s operationally proven technology.
-
![Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market]()
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
![Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge]()
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.
