Tanzanian Naval force has accepted two patrol boats worth over $1.35 million from the United States to help strengthen the Navy’s ability to interdict illicit activities within the sovereign waters of Tanzania.
The two SAFE International boats are; a 10.5 metre Interceptor model while the other is an 11.5 metre enclosed cabin command boat. The two boats were handed over to the Tanzanian Navy during a ceremony in Dar es Salaam on 16 December 2022.
The donation included repair and maintenance equipment, towing vehicles, and a two-week training course.
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Raines said the donation was a continuation of the United States’ longstanding partnership with the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) in the security arena, which includes ongoing support to help develop both Tanzania’s military and drug enforcement forces.
“The United States continues to stand with Tanzania in its efforts to combat maritime threats, and I am certain these new boats will strengthen Tanzania’s ability to secure its maritime territory,” he said.
The delivery to Tanzania is coming few days before the US Navy’s expeditionary sea base vessel USS Hershel “Woody” Williams made a stop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and spent Christmas there, arriving on 22 December.
Besides Tanzania, the US also made a similar donation to Mozambique. On 7 December, as part of ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Mozambique, the US Government provided a 10 meter coastal patrol boat to the Mozambican Navy.
In addition to the boat, Mozambican Navy officials will participate in training offered by SAFE Boats, the US Navy said. The high-speed boat is valued at $700 000 and is used for interdictions and maritime boarding operations.