Metal Shark Awarded Ccontract for 13 Patrol Boats for Vietnam

03 Oktober 2026

13 patrol boat will be built for Vietnam (photo: Metal Shark)

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 expands Metal Shark’s presence in Asia and builds on the company’s successful delivery of 24 purpose-built 45 Defiant military patrol boats to the Vietnam Coast Guard between 2017 and 2020. The 45-foot welded-aluminum vessels 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.

The 13 new Defiant-class patrol boats will be built at Metal Shark’s production facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana, 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 wide range of coastal-security missions, including patrol, interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. Designed to deliver high-speed performance, responsive maneuverability, and all-weather crew protection, the boats will provide the speed, durability, and mission flexibility required for sustained operations in demanding maritime environments.

“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.

Metal Shark is a leading designer and builder of high-performance vessels for militaries and first responders. For more than two decades, the company has delivered mission-ready platforms to customers across the United States and to military forces in more than 70 U.S. partner nations worldwide. Headquartered in Louisiana, Metal Shark operates multiple shipbuilding facilities and has delivered well over 2,000 vessels to date. The company is recognized for its innovative designs, robust engineering, and commitment to quality.

(Metal Shark)

Signing a Military Assistance Agreement and Accelerating of the S26T Submarine Project

02 Oktober 2026

Model of S26T submarine (photo: Asian Military Review)

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, revealed that on September 16, 2026, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Minister of Defence of Thailand, and Admiral Dong Jun, Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China, witnessed the signing ceremony of an agreement on military assistance to support the Royal Thai Navy's S26T submarine procurement project.

In this regard, Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy and Chairman of the Submarine Procurement Project Executive Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy on behalf of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Command at the Beijing International Convention Center (BICC) during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

This signing marks a significant step forward in the S26T submarine procurement project and represents a tangible achievement in military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, which attach great importance to and jointly support the project. 

To ensure the Royal Thai Navy has effective submarines that are operationally ready and can be commissioned as planned, thereby strengthening national defense capabilities and safeguarding national maritime interests in the long term.

In accordance with the contract amendment in September 2025, the Chinese-made S26T submarine ordered by Thailand is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2028 (photo: RTN)

Throughout this process, the Royal Thai Navy has closely supervised, monitored, and driven the project's implementation, prioritizing coordination between the two countries, resolving issues that might affect the plan, and safeguarding the interests of the Royal Thai Navy and the nation. This ensures the project's continuous progress and achievement of its goals within the stipulated timeframe.

Following the signing, the Royal Thai Navy will closely monitor the implementation in cooperation with relevant agencies of the People's Republic of China, and expedite project management in all aspects, including technical aspects, construction, system testing, personnel training, and logistical readiness. 

The goal is to deliver the submarines on schedule, or even faster if possible, provided that all contract terms, technical standards, and safety requirements are fully met.

The Royal Thai Navy affirmed that it will manage the project with prudence, transparency, and accountability, continuously monitoring progress to ensure the S26T submarines are at their peak performance and readiness before commissioning. This will effectively enhance national defense capabilities, maintain sovereignty, and protect national maritime interests. 

The success of this project will be further important evidence reflecting the tangible friendship, trust, and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

(RTN)

Fourth and Final RAAAF MC-55A Peregrine Delivered

02 Oktober 2026

MC-55A Peregrine N542GD (photos: Rod B)

Seen arriving at Edinburgh this afternoon (Sept, 29) is MC-55A Peregrine N542GD. 

This is the fourth and final delivery of the type to the RAAF and it will eventually wear serial A51-002. 

The Peregrine passed through Honolulu before spending last weekend in Nadi, Fiji 

(DU Aviation News)

First Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Launched in Germany

02 Oktober 2026

Launched of Sentinel OPV (photos: RSN)

Earlier today, we launched our first Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), Sentinel, in Germany. The OPVs are Singapore Government Vessels purpose-built to meet the increased demands and wider scope of maritime security operations.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing. He was joined by Mrs Chan as the Lady Sponsor who formally christened the ship, German Federal Minister of Defence Mr Boris Pistorius, Chief of German Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Wilhelm Tobias Abry, our Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from both countries.

The four OPVs will replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs) and will be delivered progressively from 2028.

(RSN)

Marinir Uji Thermal Weapon Sight Buatan Ceko

01 Oktober 2026

Uji fungsi Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight buatan Ceko (photos: PasMar2)

Danbrigif 2 Marinir Uji Langsung Thermal Weapon Sight Buatan Ceko

Dispen Kormar, TNI AL (Madura). Komandan Brigade Infanteri 2 Marinir (Danbrigif 2 Mar) Kolonel Marinir Eko Budi Prasetyo Adi Saputro mengikuti Uji Fungsi Pengadaan Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight buatan Republik Ceko di Lorong Tembak Laboratorium Induk Senjata (Labinsen), Jl. Sukolilo Barat No. 147, Desa Sukolilo, Kecamatan Labang, Kabupaten Bangkalan, Madura, Selasa (29/09). Kegiatan tersebut dilaksanakan untuk melihat secara langsung kemampuan dan kinerja perangkat weapon sight berbasis termal dalam mendukung kemampuan pengamatan dan pembidikan.

Dalam kegiatan tersebut, Danbrigif 2 Marinir turut mengikuti rangkaian pengujian guna memastikan perangkat dapat berfungsi sesuai spesifikasi dan kebutuhan operasional satuan. “Uji fungsi ini menjadi bagian penting untuk memastikan kesiapan dan kemampuan Thermal Meotherm SARF 01 DF-V2 Weapon Sight dalam mendukung tugas operasional prajurit. Melalui pengujian secara langsung, kita dapat mengetahui kemampuan perangkat sekaligus memastikan kesesuaiannya dengan kebutuhan prajurit Korps Marinir,” ujar Kolonel Marinir Eko Budi Prasetyo Adi Saputro.

Danbrigif 2 Marinir menegaskan bahwa pemanfaatan teknologi dan peralatan modern perlu diimbangi dengan kesiapan personel dalam mengoperasikan serta memanfaatkan peralatan secara optimal. “Yang tidak kalah penting adalah kesiapan prajurit dalam mengoperasikan peralatan ini. Teknologi harus diikuti dengan peningkatan kemampuan dan profesionalisme personel sehingga dapat memberikan dukungan optimal terhadap pelaksanaan tugas,” tegas Danbrigif 2 Marinir.

(PasMar 2)

Thailand Berencana Memesan Gelombang Ketiga Kendaraan Amfibi Chaiseri AWAV 8x8

01 Oktober 2026

Jika Korps Marinir Thailand mengakuisisi seluruh kebutuhan kendaraan amfibinya dengan AWAV 8x8, maka akan ada total 36 kendaraan, berarti masih ada 15 kendaraan yang perlu diakuisisi, yang mungkin akan diperoleh secara bertahap hingga jumlah yang dibutuhkan tercapai (photos: RTMC)

Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Thailand (RTN) berencana mengadakan gelombang ketiga yang terdiri dari tujuh unit Kendaraan Amfibi Beroda Lapis Baja (AWAV) Chaiseri 8×8, sehingga total pesanan kendaraan oleh angkatan tersebut menjadi 21 unit.

Dalam rencana pengadaan yang dipublikasikan pada 24 September, RTN menyatakan bahwa pesanan baru ini bernilai THB504 juta (USD15 juta).

Langkah ini menyusul dua pesanan sebelumnya yang masing-masing mencakup tujuh unit AWAV. Kontrak awal senilai THB448 juta diberikan pada Agustus 2023, dan kendaraan-kendaraan tersebut diserahkan kepada Korps Marinir Kerajaan Thailand (RTMC) pada September 2024.

Pengadaan kedua, yang juga mencakup tujuh kendaraan, dimulai pada Februari 2026 dengan anggaran THB504 juta. Menurut informasi yang diperoleh Janes, total kebutuhan pengadaan ini mencapai 36 kendaraan.

Unit-unit AWAV yang telah diserahkan sejauh ini ditempatkan di Batalyon Kendaraan Amfibi Serbu RTMC di Sattahip. Batalyon tersebut juga mengoperasikan kendaraan amfibi serbu AAV7A1 buatan AS dan kendaraan tempur infanteri amfibi BTR-3E1 asal Ukraina.

Chaiseri memperkenalkan AWAV dalam pameran Defense & Security di Bangkok pada tahun 2023 setelah mengembangkan kendaraan tersebut melalui kerja sama dengan RTMC. AWAV merupakan kendaraan militer 8×8 pertama buatan Chaiseri.

Menurut Chaiseri, AWAV memiliki panjang 9,2 m, lebar 3,1 m, dan tinggi 3 m, dengan berat kotor sekitar 25,7 ton. Didukung oleh mesin bertenaga 711 hp, kendaraan ini memiliki kecepatan maksimum 105 km/jam di darat dan 10 km/jam di air, serta jarak tempuh sejauh 600 km.

Kendaraan ini mampu mengangkut 11 personel pasukan selain tiga orang awak yang terdiri dari pengemudi, komandan, dan penembak. Konfigurasi dasarnya memberikan perlindungan balistik STANAG 4569 Level 3 serta perlindungan terhadap ranjau Level 3a/3b.

(Jane's)

Steel Cutting for Fifth and Sixth Invincible-class Submarines

01 Oktober 2026

Steel cutting ceremony of fifth and sixth Invinsible-class submarines of the Republic of Singapore Navy (photos: RSN, TKMS)

Earlier today, our Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat officiated the Steel-Cutting ceremony of our fifth and sixth Invincible-Class submarines at the TKMS Wismar Shipyard in Germany. The event was attended by representatives from the RSN, DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency and senior German defence and military representatives. (RSN)

The first steel cutting of a submarine in Wismar was a major milestone for the site. The traditional ceremony took place in the presence of the TKMS Management Board, the Wismar site management, and many guests of honor. At the same time, this marks another important step in the long-standing partnership with the Southeast Asian customer. This represents the beginning of the next phase for the transformation of the shipyard.

With Wismar, TKMS is creating the conditions to reliably process the high order backlog and deliver projects on time. More than 500 colleagues at the site are currently behind this progress. With their expertise and commitment, they are making a decisive contribution to turning the vision of a modern hybrid shipyard into reality.

(TKMS)