USCG transfers cutters to Costa Rica
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has transferred two former cutters - Long Island and Roanoke Island - to the Costa Rican Coast Guard, the USCG announced on 16 October.
The cutters are the fifth and sixth 110ft patrol boats to be transferred to a foreign partner nation under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme.
Under a foreign military sales programme, the USCG will provide new equipment to outfit the cutters, and technical and training services, before the Costa Rican Coast Guard sails the cutters from the coast guard yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, to reach Costa Rica in spring 2018.
Each patrol boat transfer saves the USCG money in remediation and disposal costs. EDA transfers also help build and sustain international partnerships in support of the US national maritime strategy and promote regional and global maritime safety and security.
Long Island and Roanoke Island were previously based in Alaska and were decommissioned in 2015. The multimission Island-class patrol boats entered service in the mid-1980s; 23 of the 49 cutters originally in the class remain in service. They are being replaced with 58 154ft fast response cutters.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
