Tunisia is poised to purchase SAFE Archangel boatsfrom the US. Source: Flickr/Defence Imagery

Tunisia is poised to enhance its maritime defence capabilities through a new agreement with the United States.

The agreement will see the delivery of 65-foot (ft) SAFE Archangel boats and related logistical support valued at up to $110m (TD335.5m). The US State Department has given the green light for this foreign military sale, reflecting Tunisia’s importance as a partner in North Africa.

This latest procurement is part of an ongoing effort to bolster Tunisia’s maritime security forces, building on an earlier deal worth $49.3m. The previous agreement included the delivery of similar boats, global positioning systems, navigation, and communication equipment, as well as training and logistical support. The current sale expands this initiative, emphasising the US’s commitment to strengthening the military capabilities of Tunisia, a non-Nato ally.

Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 commenced in Tunis, Tunisia, with participation from 13 countries, including the US, France, Greece, and Algeria. This North African multinational maritime exercise aimed to boost regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and operational capabilities.

US Naval Forces Africa conducts the drill and involves strategic and tactical exercises to enhance maritime security and address issues such as irregular migration and illicit trafficking.

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The 65ft SAFE Archangel boats are designed for maritime operations, making them ideal for search and rescue missions, maritime law enforcement, and ensuring security in Tunisian waters and the broader Mediterranean region. With this purchase, Tunisia aims to boost its naval capacity to address security challenges, from illegal trafficking to counterterrorism operations in an unstable region.

The decision to proceed with this sale shows Tunisia’s importance in US foreign policy, particularly in maintaining stability in North Africa. As Tunisia continues to play a role in regional security and peacekeeping operations across Africa, these boats will enhance their ability to contribute to security objectives alongside the United States and other Western partners.

The principal contractor for this deal is SAFE Boats International, based in Bremerton, Washington. According to GlobalData’s intelligence on the US defence market, the US Navy has previously acquired SAFE Boats International’s Mark VI Light Combat Vessel between 2013 and 2018.