NIGERIA TURNS TO ISRAEL FOR MARITIME SECURITY

In an apparent determination to ensure that the nation’s maritime domain is more fortified against pirates, oil thieves and sea robbers, the federal government may have signed a deal with an Israeli shipyard for three Shaldag fast patrol boats.
The Israeli firm which was simply identified as Israel Shipyards confirmed that it had agreed upon a deal for the sale of three Shaldag (Kingfisher) vessels for 80 million shekels (US$19 million).
It was reported that the fast patrol boats would soon be delivered to Nigeria, which has already paid a deposit for them.

In an apparent determination to ensure that the nation’s maritime domain is more fortified against pirates, oil thieves and sea robbers, the federal government may have signed a deal with an Israeli shipyard for three Shaldag fast patrol boats.
The Israeli firm which was simply identified as Israel Shipyards confirmed that it had agreed upon a deal for the sale of three Shaldag (Kingfisher) vessels for 80 million shekels (US$19 million).
It was reported that the fast patrol boats would soon be delivered to Nigeria, which has already paid a deposit for them.
Sources confirmed that in its 2012 budget, the Navy had requested for and secured approval for for three Shaldag Mk III fast patrol craft.
The Shaldag design is in service with the Israeli Navy and other customers in Europe, Asia and Africa. It was developed and built by Israel Shipyards Ltd in the late 1980s but upgraded over the years based on combat experience. The type is powered by two diesel engines driving two water jets, which give an acceleration time to 40 knots of 40 seconds.
Security sources tolf our correspondent last week that the Navy already operates the Shaldag Mk II, which was delivered in June 2009. At least two of the fast patrol boats were delivered, with training of crews taking place in Israel.
Under the 2012 defence budget proposal, there is provision for the three Shaldag Mk IIIs, as well as three 24-metre coastal patrol craft and six 17-metre Manta Mk II ASD littoral interceptors. The FY2011 defence budget approved the acquisition of two offshore patrol vessels, the refurbishment of six coastal patrol craft by TP Marine and the delivery of nine Manta Mk II ASD craft. The Suncraft Group is expected to construct the six Manta Mk II ASD vessels, bringing the total ordered over the last several years to 21. The Manta Mk II first entered service with the Nigerian Navy in 2008.
French shipbuilder OCEA is building the three 24 metre coastal patrol craft and commenced sea trials of the first vessel on March 13.
On June 27, the federal government allocated about N3.238 (US$19.7 million) for the purchase of six security vessels, including three Manta ASD littoral interceptors. The origin of the other three boats was not specified.
The Navy is seeking government approval to acquire up to 49 ships and 42 helicopters over the next ten years to police the nation’s territorial waterways and Gulf of Guinea.