US-based company Safe Boats International has secured an additional contract to provide weapon systems for Ukraine Navy’s MK VI patrol ships.
According to the US Department of Defence (DoD), the contract was awarded on 24 April. The company will supply four gun weapon systems onto the Mark VI boats.
Furthermore, the contract also covers installation, of spares and training.
Work will be performed in Tacoma, Washington, and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The value of the contract is $16.2 million.
Mark VI patrol boats are constructed by Safe Boats International. The ships are the next-generation patrol boats and are a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft.
The Mk VI PB’s mission is to provide operational commanders the capability to patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays and into less sheltered open water for the purpose of force protection
According to the company, Mk VI PB are capable of speeds in excess 30 knots at full load and a range in excess of 600 nautical miles. The boats can be outfitted with ballistic protection and armed with a variety of crew served and remotely operated weapons.
The first boat was delivered to the US Navy in 2014.