US Navy Delivers 2 Patrol Boats to Iraq

The U.S. Navy delivered two 35-meter patrol boats to the Iraqi navy's Umm Qasr naval facility Jan. 26.

The vessels are the second and third such craft to be delivered to the Iraqi Navy as part of planned 15-ship foreign military sales case managed by the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office in the U.S. Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. Procurement of these ships represents a continued cooperation commitment between the United States and Iraqi governments.

"We are excited to deliver the second and third patrol boats of this class to the Iraqi navy," said Program Manager Frank McCarthey. "This addition to their fleet will help reinforce Iraq's maritime strength in the littorals."

Using a design chosen by the Iraqi government, the 35-meter patrol boats are heavily-armed, fast-attack craft designed to support a crew of 25 for six days; and can reach speeds of 30 knots. The ships will be used to enforce the nation's maritime sovereignty and protect off-shore oil platforms.

Nine of the 25-meter, armored patrol boats are currently under construction, and negotiations are underway for three additional vessels.