Image source: topwar.ru
The United States will provide assistance to the Ukrainian Navy by supplying another batch of patrol boats. According to the Ukrainian press, we are talking about boats manufactured by Metal Shark.
As stated, the company will build a total of 23 patrol boats for the Ukrainian Navy in three versions, including interceptor boats. The first six boats will be included in the next package of military assistance that the United States is preparing, there is no information on the timing of the transfer of the rest, they are just beginning to be built. The company did not plan that Kiev would need their boats so urgently, so they counted on gradual deliveries.
The company claims that all boats for Kiev are "time-tested" and specially "optimized" for "missions in Ukraine." What is the "optimization for Ukraine" is not explained.
- Metal Shark says in the message.
In Kiev, the news of the delivery of boats was received with joy, it is stated that with their help, the Ukrainian Navy will defend the coast and rivers, especially the Dnieper, where a river flotilla is being created. Most likely, these boats will be part of it.
Metal Shark 40 Defiant (40 PB) is capable of speeds up to 40 knots and has six weapon attachment points. The installed ballistic protection is able to protect a crew of five people from bullets and shrapnel.