Navy seeking information for possible patrol boat procurement

The Navy is asking industry for information on building up to 90 patrol boats for various maritime security operations.

The overall mission for the 40-foot patrol boat is “presence and deterrence,” according to a request for information posted on Nov. 9.

The Navy plans to award a contract to one or more shipbuilders in fiscal year 2023 for up to 90 boats. These boats would be delivered to Navy stock points in San Diego, CA, and Williamsburg, VA, according to the notice.

The patrol boats will be able to hold five crew members and have a sprint speed of at least 35 knots. The boats will be armed with 360-degree weapons coverage and “remote weapons system ballistic protection,” the notice states.

“The 40PB is designed to operate day or night, in all-weather and will patrol green water littoral zones such as coastal water approaches, bays, major rivers, ports and harbors,” the Navy states.

As part of a $400 million military aid package announced on Nov. 4, the Pentagon said it will send 40 armored riverine boats to Ukraine.

Navy spokeswoman Jamie Koehler told Inside Defense the solicitation is unrelated to Ukraine support.

The “total inventory objective of 40PBs is unchanged and the intention is to provide these boats to U.S. Navy operating forces,” she said.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, meanwhile, told reporters Nov. 4 that “how and when” the Ukrainians use the 40 riverine boats was up to their discretion. The Pentagon did not detail what types of boats were being sent.