Military Might On Water: Best Naval Vessels

Military boats are small craft patrol boats that are faster and more manoeuvrable than larger warships. They are designed for naval warfare, including coastal defence, border protection, search and rescue, surveillance, and engaging hostile forces. They are also used by coast guard agencies. Military boats are designed to be faster and more manoeuvrable than larger warships, and their design often reflects a dominant utilitarian component, with aggressive lines and sharp cuts. This article will explore the top ten military boats in the world and discuss their features, performance, and capabilities.

Patrol boats

Armidale Class Patrol Boat:

The Armidale Class patrol vessels are an integral part of Australia's naval fleet, based in Darwin and Cairns. These boats are designed for surveillance, interception, and escort missions, supporting civilian authorities in customs patrols and measures against illegal immigration in littoral areas. They can operate in challenging sea conditions, with wave heights of up to 4 meters, and are equipped with a Rafael Typhoon 25mm stabilised naval gun mount and a Bushmaster cannon.

Holland Class Patrol Vessels:

Constructed by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, the Holland Class patrol vessels are set to join the Royal Netherlands Navy's fleet. These vessels are designed to support international task forces in littoral zones, aiding in anti-piracy and counter-drug missions. They feature a broad platform for stability and are constructed with thick steel to resist small-calibre weapons. The Holland Class vessels are armed with a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun and a 20mm Oto Melara Marlin WS gun, both operated remotely. Additionally, they have a fully equipped hangar for an NH-90 helicopter.

Sentinel Class Fast Response Cutter:

The Sentinel Class patrol boats are being built as part of the US Coast Guard's Deepwater programme to address patrol gaps and assist in immigration and drug interdiction missions within littoral zones. These vessels are a modified version of the Damen Stan 4708 patrol vessel, featuring a bow thruster for manoeuvring and underwater fins to reduce rolling and pitching in large waves. They are armed with a Bushmaster 25mm chain-fed autocannon and can operate independently in various missions, including coastal security and marine environmental protection.

L'Adroit Offshore Patrol Vessel:

L'Adroit is a Gowind Class offshore patrol vessel designed and built by DCNS for the French Navy. It offers high sea availability and can accommodate a 5-tonne helicopter and provide a landing facility for a 10-tonne helicopter. L'Adroit is equipped with a 20mm gun and two 50-calibre machine guns, and its wings can be fitted with water cannons for non-lethal operations. The vessel also carries two rigid-hulled inflatable boats for onboard forces and has the capability to launch naval UAVs.

M80 Stiletto Next-Generation Littoral Vessel:

The M80 Stiletto is a prototype naval ship constructed with carbon-fibre materials, featuring a unique hull design that allows it to achieve high speeds of up to 60 knots. Its design reduces drag and improves energy efficiency, resulting in reduced fleet costs. The M80 has been field-tested and has successfully participated in drug interdiction operations in Colombia.

Mark VI Patrol Boat:

The Mark VI patrol boat is a class of vessel designed for the United States Navy, built by SAFE Boats International. It represents a shift in focus towards littoral zone operations and replaces the less capable Riverine Command Boats. The Mark VI is larger, more survivable, and better equipped with modern weapons, communications, and intelligence systems. It can perform a range of missions, including patrolling shallow areas, search-and-seizure operations, and supporting special operations forces. The boat is 84.8 feet long, has a crew of 10 sailors, and can carry 8 additional personnel. It is powered by two MTU 16V2000M94 diesel engines, achieving speeds greater than 35 knots, with a maximum range of 600 nautical miles.

Inflatable boats

One example of a military-grade inflatable boat is the Saturn SD470, which offers a spacious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers. It is built with heavy-duty materials, such as German Heytex PVC, to ensure durability and protection against UV rays, ozone, and abrasion. The SD470 also features separate internal air chambers and a safety valve to enhance safety during operations.

Another notable inflatable boat is the Zodiac Milpro Grand Raid MK3 GR, which has a 15' 5" aluminium floor. Zodiac Milpro also offers a wide range of other inflatable boats suitable for military use, such as the Emergency Response Boat ERB380 Air Floor with a length of 12' 11" and the Heavy Duty MK4 HD with a length of 17' 5".

Patrol vessels

OPVs and medium-size cutters are usually the smallest ships in a navy's fleet that are large and seaworthy enough to patrol offshore in the open ocean, while IPVs are typically kept in lakes or rivers, or close to coasts. Large patrol vessels, heavy patrol vessels, and large cutters are the largest type of patrol ships and are typically more than 100 m (330 ft) in length.

Seagoing patrol boats usually carry a single medium-calibre artillery gun as their main armament, along with a variety of lighter secondary armaments such as machine guns. Depending on their role, they may also have more sophisticated sensors and fire control systems that enable them to carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air missiles.

Some modern patrol vessels are based on fishing or leisure boats, while others are powered by gas turbine arrangements such as CODAG, with speeds generally in the 25-30 knots range. The largest OPVs may also have a flight deck and helicopter embarked.

• Guardian-class patrol boat: Designed and constructed in Australia for small Pacific Ocean countries. They are 39.5 m long, with a top speed of 20 knots and a range of 3000 nautical miles at 12 knots. They are capable of mounting a 30-millimetre autocannon on the ford platform, as well as heavy machine guns on either side of the bridge.
• SKJOLD CLASS: Primarily designed for the Royal Norwegian Navy, with a main function of conducting littoral warfare, especially utilising Norway's coastal topography. It is also equipped for surveillance and engaging hostile forces from close distances while remaining undetected. It is armed with eight Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles and an Otobreda 76 mm gun, with a firing rate of 120 rounds per minute. With a hybrid diesel and gas turbine propulsion system, it can achieve speeds of up to 55 knots.
• PACIFIC 950: A highly rigid inflatable boat created by a partnership between Bae Systems and Asv Global. It is capable of carrying pre-programmed combat tactics while posing less danger to front-line troops. It is equipped with 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as 40 mm grenade launchers. The Pacific 950 has a patrol range of up to 10 days and a search range of up to 300 nautical miles, with a top speed of 45 knots.
• RAPTOR: A high-speed patrol boat designed and built by an open JSC palace shipyard in Leningrad, Russia. It can be used for patrolling, search and rescue, anti-sabotage, and anti-terrorism. The gun has a range of 2,000 m and an electro-optical module that detects targets up to 3,000 m. Propelled by a 2,000 horsepower engine, the Raptor can achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 100 nautical miles.
• FALAJ 2 CLASS: Designed and built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri for the United Arab Emirates. These stealth patrol vessels are 55 m long, have a maximum speed of 30 knots, and are equipped with a 30 mm Aselsan SMASH remote weapon system.
• DV15 RWS 30 INTERCEPTOR: The latest in CMN's range of interceptors, developed from a proven design. It is a fast patrol boat with a length of 15 m, a maximum speed of 40 knots, and a range of 350 nautical miles. It is designed for high-speed interception, surveillance, and special operations.
• COMBATTANTE FS 56: A stealth fast attack craft (missile) FACM developed by CMN, with compact and stealthy lines. It has a length of 56 m, a maximum speed of 34 knots, and an endurance of 7 days at 15 knots. It is equipped with the latest generation of combat systems and missiles, including the Exocet MM40 Block 3.
• HOLLAND CLASS: Designed and built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding for the Royal Netherlands Navy. These ocean-going patrol vessels are 107.8 m long, have a maximum speed of 21.5 knots, and a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. They are equipped with a 76 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid gun and two 12.7 mm Hitrole NT guns, as well as a helicopter deck and hangar.
• OCEAN EAGLE 43: An ocean patrol trimaran with a slender hull and two small floats designed for high-speed stability and seakeeping. It has a length of 43 m, a maximum speed of 35 knots, and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. It can be equipped with a 20 mm or 30 mm cannon, and can carry a helicopter or UAV.
• VIGILANTE 1400 CL79: A multifunction offshore patrol vessel (OPV) capable of long-term surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime interdiction operations. It has a length of 78 m, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and an endurance of 35 days at 15 knots. It can be equipped with a 30 mm or 40 mm cannon, and has a flight deck and hangar for a helicopter.

Anti-sabotage vessels

The Project 21980 vessels are well-equipped for their intended purpose, boasting advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as an array of weaponry. For defence against lightly armoured surface, marine and air targets, the boats are fitted with a 14.5mm marine pedestal heavy machine gun, capable of firing 450 shots per minute with an effective range of 2km. Additionally, they are armed with the Igla man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS) and 55mm remote-controlled counter-sabotage grenade launchers (DP-65A and DP-64) for protection against enemy aircraft and combat vessels.

The Project 21980 boats have a maximum speed of 23 knots and a cruising range of 200 miles, with the capacity to stay afloat for up to five days. These vessels typically carry a crew of eight and are deployed for the protection of naval bases, ports, and aquatic areas, as well as assisting in border security.

Another notable anti-sabotage vessel is the RAPTOR, also known as Project Zero Three One Six Zero. This high-speed patrol boat is designed and constructed by an open JSC palace shipyard in Leningrad, Russia. The RAPTOR is a versatile craft, suitable for patrolling, search and rescue, anti-sabotage, and anti-terrorism operations. It is equipped with a gun that has a range of 2000 meters and an electro-optical module that can detect targets up to 3000 meters away. The RAPTOR is propelled by a 2000 horsepower engine, giving it a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 100 nautical miles.

Assault craft

The CB90 was originally developed for the Swedish Navy by Dockstavarvet and accepted in 1990. It has since been adopted by the navies of Norway, Greece, Mexico, the United States, and Malaysia. The Mexican Navy obtained a production license in 2002, allowing further units to be manufactured in Mexico. The CB90 has also been evaluated by the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands for potential acquisition or replacement of existing craft.

The Combat Support Boat is another powerful and versatile craft used by the British Army. Its major role is to support both bridging and amphibious operations. Water jet propulsion allows high thrust at a shallow draught, and it can also be used for diving operations, ship-to-shore re-supply, and inland water patrols.

Frequently asked questions