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Angola – Future Patrol CraftNew Report – January 2007 Program Status: Projected. Operational Requirement: The Angolan Navy (AN) has a requirement for a modern patrol boat force to monitor the nation’s coastline and territorial seas. Program Background: The AN currently has three Patrulheiro class patrol craft that were delivered to the sea service in 1990. The vessels are largely in a state of disrepair. The top priority for the AN is to return the force to an operational status. Once operational, the patrol craft could be utilized for an additional six to seven years requiring a replacement by 2012. As Angola has no indigenous capability to build naval vessels, it will rely on a foreign source for this procurement. Due to Angola’s historical ties to Europe, it will more than likely utilize a European yard with Portugal, Spain and France being the leading candidates. Due to the nation’s fiscal constraints, a new construction program would require an extremely beneficial financial package as well as improvements in training of fleet personnel and a support structure to maintain the new vessels. Program Acquisition Plan: There is currently no known acquisition plan for a new patrol craft for the AN. However, with the effective service life of the Patrulheiro class ending around 2012, the sea service could begin conceptualizing a new vessel by 2009. A construction contract could be in place by 2011 allowing all three units to enter service by 2012. The three new patrol craft will replace the Patrulheiro class on a one-for-one basis. The following acquisition plan, for a buy of three units valued at an estimated US$8M each, is projected: Concept Start 2009 Concept Select 2009 Contract Design 2010 Construction Contract RfP 2010 Construction Contract Award 2011 Hulls One through Three Commission 2012 Design and Construction Considerations: Design and construction considerations are purely speculative, however, the new patrol craft will probably be around 20 meters (65.5ft) in length with a displacement of 30 tons. It will probably be powered by two diesel engines, and armed with one 12.7mm machine gun. Ship Characteristics:
Key Personnel:
Angolan Navy
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