Tunisia, has taken steps to enhance its maritime security capabilities. Recently, the United States State Department approved a significant sale of 65-foot Archangel boats to Tunisia.
On August 20, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the proposed sale. The Tunisian government had requested additional non-MDE (Major Defense Equipment) 65-foot SAFE Archangel boats, along with related articles and services.
The original Foreign Military Sales case, valued at $49.3 million, included these boats as well as commercial variant marine global positioning systems, navigation systems, communications equipment, training, and logistical support. The total cost of the expanded sale is $110 million.
Archangel boats are mostly for brown water operations in near shore operations that are useful for anti-smuggling activity and light security patrols. Although, the number of vessels wasn’t disclosed in the announcement.
“The proposed sale will better equip Tunisia to contribute to shared security objectives, promote regional stability, and build interoperability with the United States and Western partners,” the DCSA announcement said. “The Tunisian Navy uses the 65’ SAFE boats for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and other maritime-related operations to ensure security in the country and region.”
Archangel Boats: Features and Purpose
The Archangel boats, manufactured by Washington-based SAFE Boats International, serve multiple purposes. These vessels are equipped with dual 1,600 hp diesel engines, shock-mitigating seating, and climate control. Each MTU 10V2000 engine drives a Hamilton HM521 water-jet with 340 kW impellers, enabling speeds exceeding 40 knots. With a range of up to 400 nautical miles, they are well-suited for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and other security-related operations.
Regional Security and Interoperability
Located on the Southern coast of the Mediterranean, Tunisia has struggled with illegal immigration routes from the south and through towards Europe, as well influxes from both its neighboring countries, Algeria and Libya, through porous borders.
The US government emphasized that this sale would better equip Tunisia to contribute to shared security objectives. By strengthening its naval capacity, Tunisia can address heightened threats in the region. The country’s borders, particularly with Libya to the east, remain volatile even years after the Arab Spring. Enhanced border security, encompassing land, maritime, and air components, is crucial for Tunisia’s stability.
Additionally, the sale aims to promote interoperability between Tunisia, the United States, and Western partners. Cooperation in maritime security enhances regional stability and fosters stronger ties between nations.
Historical Context
In 2009, Tunisia received $7 million in foreign military financing from the US to enhance its maritime security. An additional $7.5 million complemented Tunisian foreign military financing through the Building Partnership Capacity program. These investments led to the delivery of 10 25-foot Response boats (similar to the US Coast Guard’s Response Boat-Small) and five 44-foot Response boats (similar to the Coast Guard’s Response Boat-Medium). These vessels replaced Tunisia’s aging small boats, which were previously used for patrolling, search and rescue, and interdiction.
Between 2010 and 2013, the Tunisian navy received 22 Response boats ranging in size from 25 to 44 feet, along with a large support package, the US Army said.
In 2018, the Tunisian Navy took delivery of two US-made patrol boats, the boats are the latest from a batch of 26 units ordered in 2012.