VT Halmatic will hand over the first of a new series of advanced rigid inflatable command boats to the French Marine Commandos next month.
The first-of-class boat will undergo a rigorous evaluation before the customer gives the go-ahead for a further 19 of the 9.5 metre craft.
The new craft are based on the Pacific 28, which is widely in service with the Royal Navy, but with features developed specifically for the French requirement. For example, the hull is a carbon composite.
The new rigid inflatables will extend the capacity of the existing craft used by the French Marine Commandos and will provide improved performance, particularly in areas such as maritime assault, fire support, insertion and as a command and control platform. The craft will also be capable of conducting humanitarian missions in support of evacuation and rescue.