The Iraqi Navy has taken delivery of a further two 35m Coastal Patrol Craft built by Swiftships Shipbuilders (NAVDEX Stand 207) as part of a planned 15-ship Foreign Military Sales case managed by the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the US Navy’s Program Executive Office Ships.
P-302 and P-303, handed over at the Umm Qasr naval facility on 26 January, are the second and third of the class. Lead vessel P-301 was delivered from the USA in September 2010 and entered operational service in late November.
Using a design chosen by the Iraqi government, the Coastal Patrol Craft will be used to enforce Iraq’s maritime sovereignty and protect offshore oil platforms.
Constructed from aluminum, the vessels are able to reach a speed of 30kts and can sustain a 25-man crew for up to six days. Main armament comprises a Seahawk Model DS30M A2 30mm gun supplied by MSIDefence Systems.
A stern ramp aft provides for the launch and recovery of a rigid inflatable hull boat for boarding/interdiction missions. The acquisition of the 15 Swiftships-built Coastal Patrol Craft forms part of a wider plan to recapitalize the Iraqi Navy. This also includes the acquisition of new interceptor craft, offshore patrol vessels and offshore support ships.
Pictured: lead vessel “PB 301″, delivered from the USA in September 2010 courtesy Iraq Business News
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