Saudi Arabia To Buy 30 Mark V Patrol Boats Worth $1.2 Billion

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a possible Foreign Military Sale of 30 Mark V patrol boats to Saudi Arabia for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested a sale of 30 Mark V patrol boats, 32 27mm guns, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

This sale of Mark V patrol boats will give the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) an effective combat and threat deterrent capability to protect maritime infrastructure in the Saudi littorals. This acquisition will enhance the stability and security operations for boundaries and territorial areas encompassing the Saudi Arabian coastline, according to an official statement. 

The purchase of Mark V patrol boats represents an upgrade and modernization of the RSNF’s existing patrol boat capability. The Mark V patrol boats will provide additional capability to rapidly identify, engage, and defeat maritime security threats in the near-offshore region of the Saudi littorals. The boats will be used primarily to patrol and interdict intruders in Saudi territorial seas, and recognized economic exclusion zones. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these additional boats.