UK Defence Ministry Announces Contract for new MOD Police Patrol Craft

The UK Ministry of Defence said it awarded Marine Specialised Technology $36 million to deliver 18 new police patrol craft for the MOD and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Forces.

To be used around Royal Naval bases in the UK and British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, the five-year contract will deliver 16 patrol craft to the MOD Police and two craft to the GDP, replacing those currently in use.

The police patrol craft will play an important role in Defence, enhancing capability to safeguard UK and Gibraltar waters and escort major Royal Navy assets in and out of Naval bases at home and overseas.

Announced by the Prime Minister last November, Defence has received an increase in funding of over £24 billion across the next four years, focussing on the ability to adapt to meet future threats.

The 15 metre craft will be able to carry 3 crew members and up to 4 passengers, travelling up to 30 knots. They will be fitted with a CCTV surveillance system, two Marine Jet Power waterjets and reinforced with bullet-proof protection against incoming fire.

Construction has already started on the design project and the first police patrol craft is expected to be delivered in July 2022.