Louisiana-based boatbuilder Metal Shark has been awarded a U.S. government contract to build 13 patrol boats for Vietnam, with options for additional vessels. The contract extends the historic, now decade-old maritime rapprochement between Vietnam and the United States.
Coming after the company’s successful deliveries of 24 purpose-built 45’ Defiant military patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard between 2017 and 2020, the latest contract expands Metal Shark’s sales in Asia. The Defiant fleet “enhanced Vietnam’s maritime security and law-enforcement capabilities while supporting the growing security partnership between the United States and Vietnam following the lifting of the decades-long U.S. arms embargo in 2016,” according to a company statement announcing the contract.
The 13 new Defiants will be built at Metal Shark’s production facility in Jeanerette, La., and will share a common platform with vessels already operating with U.S. and partner-nation military forces worldwide. This platform commonality will support operational readiness by streamlining training, maintenance, logistics, and lifecycle support while promoting interoperability and closer coordination among participating maritime forces.
“This contract award is a clear demonstration of Metal Shark’s growing presence in Asia and, more importantly, our long-term commitment to Vietnam,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s Senior Vice President of International Business Development. “As we continue to expand our footprint in the country, we are proud to build on our successful partnership with the Vietnam Coast Guard and support additional Vietnamese law enforcement agencies.”
The new vessels will be configured to support a range of coastal-security missions, including patrol, interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. Delivering high-speed performance, responsive maneuverability, and all-weather crew protection, the boats will provide the speed, durability, and mission flexibility required for sustained operations.
“These vessels are based on a proven platform, with more than 500 units delivered to date, and will provide Vietnam with a trusted, operationally effective capability,” said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. “The use of a common vessel platform will enhance interoperability between U.S. and Vietnamese maritime forces, strengthening opportunities for future cooperation, joint operations, and broader bilateral engagement.”
The new award reflects continued cooperation between the United States and Vietnam in support of maritime domain awareness, coastal security, law enforcement, and regional stability. It also extends Metal Shark’s role in supplying proven, mission-ready patrol-vessel platforms to U.S. agencies and partner nations worldwide.
