USCG orders seven OTH-IV cutter boats
The US Coast Guard has issued two delivery orders, worth a combined total of approximately $2.74 million, to SAFE Boats International for the supply of seven Over the Horizon IV (OTH-IV) cutter boats, the agency announced on 11 October.
The orders include trailers and familiarisation training. The 26ft boats have a maximum speed of 40kt. Improvements over previous boats include increased cargo space and seating, higher speeds and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems.
The order brings the total number of OTH-IVs ordered to date to 103; the seven under the most recent order are scheduled for delivery starting in early 2019. Two of the cutter boats are planned for the eighth national security cutter, Midgett, and the other five are slated for fast response cutters.
The OTH-IV is the coast guard’s standard cutter boat to prosecute over the horizon missions with two assigned to each national security cutter, and one assigned to each fast response cutter and medium endurance cutter.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.