Metal Shark has received orders to build additional 38 Defiant patrol boats for Bangladesh, extending a relationship that began in 2011. The Louisiana shipbuilder will construct the welded-aluminum vessels at its Jeanerette, La., facility.
The company did not disclose how many boats were ordered, the value of the orders or when the vessels are expected to be delivered.
Bangladesh has acquired more than 50 patrol boats from Metal Shark over the past 15 years, making it one of the builder’s largest international military customers, the company said. The boats are operated by the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Coast Guard and have been used for maritime patrol, interdiction and coastal defense.
“Over the years, we’ve worked closely with our Bangladeshi customers to understand their evolving operational requirements and deliver vessels suited to their missions,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s senior vice president of international business development.
The 38 Defiant is designed for coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, port security, and search and rescue. The design provides all-weather protection for the crew. Metal Shark said using the same design across multiple services simplifies crew training, maintenance and logistics.
