U.S. boat builder Metal Shark has received a contract to build up to 13 near coastal patrol vessels (NCPV) for Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Honduras.
The $16 million contract was awarded to the company by the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command under the foreign military sales program.
The contract includes options which, if exercised, could bring the value $54.5 million.
According to a department of defense announcement, the boats are being ordered for counter-narcotics operations.
Metal Shark will deliver up to 13 NCPVs, electro-optical infrared sensors, diagnostic equipment, in-country reactivation and crew familiarization, and NCPV test and trials.
Boats are expected to be delivered by June 2019.