The United States is providing Ukraine with a range of defence articles, including 23 welded-aluminium military vessels, to help the latter country in ensuring the protection of its coastline, waterways, and ports.
The 23 vessels includes six US Navy-operated maritime combat vessels that were delivered by Metal Shark Boats of Louisiana in 2021. These six vessels each feature ballistic protection, six weapons mounts, and a large forward mount for stabilised, remotely operated weapons.
The boats will be sent to Ukraine as part of a US$450 million security assistance package.
Meanwhile, at Metal Shark's Franklin and Jeanerette, Louisiana facilities, production is underway on 17 additional vessels for Ukraine. These vessels include ten pilothouse patrol vessels, four centre console patrol vessels, and three interceptor vessels.
