Since World War II, small combatants have been a critical component of naval forces around the world, particularly for nations seeking affordable, versatile solutions to meet their maritime security needs. These vessels, often designed for coastal defense, anti-piracy, and patrol duties, are smaller, less expensive alternatives to larger warships. They are primarily built for export by shipbuilders from various countries, sometimes with the assistance of the U.S. Government.
This article provides an overview of small combatants built for export, with a focus on the shipbuilders, the countries that acquired them, and the types of vessels produced. These vessels include patrol boats, fast attack craft, and other smaller military ships.
U.S. Shipbuilders and Export Partners
Many U.S. shipbuilders have been at the forefront of producing small combatants for foreign navies. Some notable U.S. builders include Bertram, Halter Marine, Boston Whaler, SeaArk, and Peterson Shipbuilders. These companies have exported vessels to countries across the globe, helping to enhance the maritime capabilities of nations ranging from Latin America to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Bertram: Bertram’s “Enforcer” series has been a popular choice for several countries, with boats delivered to Egypt, Iran, Venezuela, and other nations. The vessels were designed for coastal patrol and had a variety of specifications, from 31 to 43 feet in length and 5 tons in weight. For example, Venezuela received 17 Enforcer-class boats in the late 1970s, while Iran took delivery of 36 Enforcers in 1972.
Boston Whaler: Known for producing smaller boats like the “Piranha” and “Vigilant” series, Boston Whaler’s vessels were favored by countries such as the Bahamas, Bolivia, Jamaica, and Saudi Arabia. These boats, typically around 22 to 27 feet long, were often used for coastal patrol and security operations. Notably, Bolivia received 32 Piranha-class boats in 1992, demonstrating the widespread appeal of these small but capable vessels.
Halter Marine: This company specialized in larger vessels compared to some other builders. Halter’s “Cutlass” and “Broadsword” classes, for example, were widely exported. Ecuador, for instance, received Cutlass-class boats in the mid-1970s, and Saudi Arabia received 17 PCF (Patrol Craft Fast) vessels in the early 1990s. Halter Marine’s vessels ranged from 65 to 105 feet in length and were designed for a variety of missions, including anti-smuggling, patrol, and coastal defense.
Global Distribution of Small Combatants
Shipbuilders from the U.S. and other nations have provided small combatants to a wide array of countries. These countries use the vessels to strengthen their naval and coast guard fleets, often focusing on local or regional security concerns.
- Latin America: Many countries in Latin America have acquired small combatants, including Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela. These vessels are typically used for drug interdiction, anti-smuggling operations, and border patrols. For instance, Colombia received nine LR-class vessels from Bender Shipbuilding in 1993, and Venezuela purchased several classes of small combatants from multiple shipbuilders, including Bertram and SeaArk.
- Middle East: Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait have been major recipients of exported small combatants. For example, Saudi Arabia has used vessels such as the “Vigilant” class from Boston Whaler and “Rapier” class from Halter Marine for coastal defense and patrol duties. Iran also received a significant number of boats, including 100 Swift Mk. II vessels from Peterson Shipbuilders in the mid-1970s, which became integral to its coastal defense strategy.
- Southeast Asia: Southeast Asian nations have also been significant purchasers of small combatants, with countries like the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore acquiring vessels from U.S. builders. The Philippines, for instance, received PCF-class patrol boats from Halter Marine, which were instrumental in bolstering their naval patrol capabilities during the 1990s.
Small combatants continue to play a vital role in naval forces around the world, especially for countries that require affordable, versatile, and efficient platforms for maritime security. The U.S. has been a major exporter of these vessels, with shipbuilders like Bertram, Boston Whaler, and Halter Marine leading the charge in delivering effective solutions tailored to the needs of foreign navies. These small combatants, whether designed for patrol, interdiction, or defense, provide nations with the ability to safeguard their maritime borders and contribute to global security.