Cameroon to Receive US Patrol Boat in $1.197 Million Contract
Cameroon is set to receive a US-built patrol boat under a contract valued at $1.197 million (approximately 691 million FCFA). The contract was awarded by the US Coast Guard to Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, which markets its vessels under the Metal Shark brand. The order includes a trailer, spare parts, and operator training.
Contract Details and Specifications
The financial figures are derived from US public procurement data reported by the specialized platform GovTribe. While the specific amount was not detailed in the press release issued by Metal Shark on October 12, 2026, the company did confirm the existence of the contract.
The vessel ordered is a 38 Defiant, an aluminum-hulled patrol boat measuring approximately 11.6 meters in length. It is designed primarily for coastal surveillance and port security. The boat will be manufactured at the producer’s facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana, USA.
According to contractual data:
- The initial order value was approximately $1.144 million.
- An amendment dated September 24, 2026, increased the total value to $1.197 million, primarily to cover additional spare parts.
- The contract stipulates a completion date of August 31, 2027, though the specific delivery date to Cameroon has not been confirmed.
Funding and Procurement Context
The operation falls under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which enables the US government to facilitate the sale of defense equipment to partner nations. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), such acquisitions can be financed either by the beneficiary country or through US funds.
Currently, publicly available information does not specify the source of funding for Cameroon’s purchase. It is important to note that the 691 million FCFA figure represents the value of the industrial contract and does not necessarily reflect a direct expenditure from the Cameroonian national budget. The total cost of the operation may also include other services.
The contract was awarded following the receipt of three bids, as reported by GovTribe. On the same day, Metal Shark announced a similar order for Georgia, indicating an expansion of its international market reach.
Outstanding Questions
Several key details remain to be clarified:
- The specific Cameroonian administrative body responsible for receiving the vessel.
- The terms and conditions for maintenance.
- The precise financing structure for the acquisition.
