Angolan patrol boat production inaugurated

General Francisco Furtado (hands clasped) looks at models of CMN vessels during the inauguration at the Lobinave shipyard in Lobito. (Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola)

Angola's Lobinave shipyard is producing interceptor boats, it was revealed when the production line was officially inaugurated on 12 January.

The event was attended by General Francisco Furtado, minister of state and chief of the Military Household of the President of the Republic, an organisation that commands the presidential security forces and advises the president on military matters.

The Angop news agency reported that Gen Furtado inaugurated a new building at the Lobinave yard that will handle a range of Angolan Navy (MGA) equipment such as WP18 interceptors, stealth assault and ultra high-speed special operations vessels, as well as frigates and corvettes.

It cited Lobinave chairman Hermenegildo dos Santos as saying the yard is undergoing an upgrade that includes the rehabilitation of its pier, the expansion of its repair park, and the installation of a new floating dock. He noted that it will continue to work on civilian as well as naval vessels.

Angop identified Lobinave's partner as the French company CMN, saying it is responsible for assembling equipment.

CMN has delivered numerous vessels to the MGA since 2018, including DV15 and HSI32 interceptors, Ocean Eagle 43 long-range surveillance vessels, and most recently two LCT 200-70 landing ships. It is currently building the first of three BR71 Mk II corvettes for Angola as part of a collaboration with Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB).

While Angop did not report what vessels will be produced at Lobinave, television news coverage of the event showed a mould for the DV15 in a new shed at the yard and an incomplete DV15 hull.