Iraqi Navy
Encyclopedia
The Iraqi Navy is one of the components of the military of Iraq currently being reconstructed by UK
-US
Coalition
forces in Iraq
. Its primary responsibilities are the protection of Iraq's coastline and offshore assets. Initially called the Iraqi Coastal Defense Force, its official name was changed on 12 January 2005.
As of February 2011, the navy has approximately 5000 sailors and marines which form an Operational headquarters, 5 afloat squadrons, and two marine battalions.
Headed by Rear Admiral Muhammad Jawad, the navy had plans to build six Al Uboor-class patrol boat
s in Baghdad
, with the first of the boats to enter service in September 2005. This project however, was ultimately canceled. Additionally, two Assad-class
corvette
s built for Iraq in the 1980s by Italy
were originally planned to be delivered sometime around 2006–2007. The ships however, were found to be in a worse state than originally believed, forcing the Iraqi navy to reconsider the deal and instead buying 4 newer, smaller modified-Diciotti class
vessels. The 5 British corvettes and 1 Soviet
patrol boat operated by the Saddam-era Iraqi Navy were destroyed in the 2nd
and 1st Gulf Wars
respectively.
At the moment, the Iraqi Navy is designed for coastal water protection; stopping the smuggling of people, oil and weapons; and to protect the country's oil platforms. As a result, the Iraqi Navy mainly needs patrol boats-these could be backed up by fast attack craft. The patrol boats need to have the ability to launch RIBs for boarding ships and also possibly be able to accommodate a helicopter which would increase its patrol capability. The Iraqi Navy is building a second Marine battalion.
force.
of 1958, the Iraqi navy began to expand. Operationally based in the port of Umm Qasr
, the Arabic Gulf Academy for Sea Studies was established in Basra
, which offered a bachelor's degree in war and engineering naval studies. By 1988, the Iraqi Navy grew to a force of 5,000, but played a relatively small role during the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War.
s, equipped with Styx
missiles, from the Soviet Union
. It also purchased four Lupo class frigate
s and six Assad class corvette
s from Italy, although these were never delivered because of international sanctions following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
In September 1980, after Iraq's invasion of Iran (Iran-Iraq War
), Iran launched a massive blitzkrieg-style air attack, Operation Kaman-99
(named after the mythical Persian/Iranian archer Arash Kamangir), it involving the bombing of hundreds of military bases in Iraq. In this operation, 70% of Iraq's navy was either destroyed or grounded. However, due to the West's constant selling of weapons (including poison gas) to Iraq in order to defeat Iran, the losses were quickly replaced.
The Iraqi Navy was almost completely destroyed during the Gulf War
of 1991. The Iraqi Navy had 19 ships sunk and 6 vessels damaged. In total, more than 100 Iraqi ships were destroyed. The Navy was not rebuilt and played no role in the Iraq War (2003). Of the units that remained by late 2002, most were in a poor state of repair and the crews were in a poor state of readiness.
On 1 October 2004, the ICFD began coastal patrol operations.
On 11 November 2008, Rear Admiral Muhammad Jawad signed the historic non-legally binding Khawr Abd Allah Protocols or "KAA Protocols" at the Kuwait Naval Base. The protocols were the concept of the British Royal Navy in 2008 when in command of Combined Task Force 158
operating in the northern Gulf region and specifically within Iraqi territorial waters for the protection of the Iraqi oil terminals Al Basrah Oil Terminal
and in support of Iraqi maritime boundaries
. They are a non-legally binding military agreement aiding deconfliction between the maritime forces of Kuwait and Iraq in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway and are reflected in a former United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
chart and which was re-titled the "KAA Interoperability Admiralty Chart".
The protocols were developed, written and mediated by a British naval lawyer, Major David Hammond Royal Marines, working alongside the heads and staffs of both the Kuwaiti Navy
and Iraqi Navy and which saw the historic first meeting on board a British warship HMS Chatham (F87)
on 8 May 2008. The protocols were historically ratified and signed on 11 November 2008 at Kuwait Naval Base in the presence of Vice-Admiral Gourtney USN, commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command based in Bahrain
and remain an enduring success story in the region highlighting co-operation and co-ordination between the two countries.
On 30 April 2010, Iraqi naval forces took over responsibility for the protection of the Khawr al-Amaya and Basra oil terminals, as well as the ports of Umm Qasr and al-Zubair.
May move to Umm Qasr.
Operational Headquarters: Umm Qasr
Naval Training Center: Umm Qasr
Maritime Academy: Basrah
Diving Squadron: Umm Qasr
RHIBs
Patrol Squadron: Umm Qasr
PS701, PS702, PS703, PS704, PB301, PB302, PB303, and 5x U/I PBs.
Patrol Squadron: planned
Patrol Squadron: planned
Patrol Squadron: planned
Small Boat Squadron: Umm Qasr
Squadron equipped with American Defender Class
boats.
Support & Auxiliary Squadron: Umm Qasr
In December 2010 was redesignated 1st and moving to Basrah Log City. Reached full strength in 2011.
2nd Marine Brigade Special Troops Battalion: planned
planned
On 15 February 2006 the Iraqi Navy signed a $101 million contract with the Italian Government to provide four Saettia MK4 class Offshore-Patrol Vessel
s.
The Saettia MK4 class is a modified Diciotti class
offshore patrol boat, as originally used by the Guardia Costiera
. The vessels are to be built by Fincantieri
at Riva Trigoso, with modifications including increased crew capacity of 38. The contract also comprises the provision of logistical support and crew training with each crew completing a 7 week training course. In cooperation with the Marina Militare (Italian Navy)
, each commissioning crew is provided with a week’s bridge simulator course at the Academy
in Livorno
.
In May 2009, the first vessel, Patrol Ship 701 named Fatah (Arabic
for Opening), was handed over at the Muggiano, La Spezia shipyard. The crew hand been training since January 2009, and would now be heading for Umm Qasr
, a 20 day/5,000 nautical miles journey via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal
and Red Sea
. There, additional training will be completed, before the vessel takes over duties from the British Royal Marine patrols, who will then revert to a training role of new crew. The vessels will be used to patrol the exclusive economic zone, control maritime traffic, for search and rescue
and fire fighting
.
On September 2009, the Iraqi Navy awarded a $181 million contract to Swiftships Shipbuilders of Morgan City
, Louisiana
for the construction of 9 coastal patrol vessels. The vessels are purchased under Foreign Military Sales
.
The Iraqi Navy is expected by the end of the year to award a $109 million contract to build two 60-meter Off-Shore Support Vessels. The FMS program will contribute $82 million. The ships will provide logistical support for securing the oil platforms, to the Interceptor boats and more than 60 Fast Attack boats.
Lieutenant Abdul, the captain of patrol boat 301.
The five 27-meter Predator Class patrol boats: (P-101), (P-102), (P-103), (P-104), (P-105); were purchased used from Taiwan
. Built in Taiwan and delivered in 2002, they were to be the new ICDF's first ships and were to be purchased under the oil-for-food program. Due to their military compatibilities they were not allowed to enter Iraq until 2004. They are aged and delivered barely seaworthy.
September 2006, an Iraqi marine company will deliver a new ship (Al Shams or the Sun) which was bought from Iraqi aquatic transportation company to be employed as guiding afloat station across the sea in order.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
-US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Coalition
Multinational force in Iraq
The Multi-National Force – Iraq was a military command, led by the United States, which was responsible for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Multi-National Force – Iraq replaced the previous force, Combined Joint Task Force 7, on 15 May 2004, and was later itself reorganized into its successor, United...
forces in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
. Its primary responsibilities are the protection of Iraq's coastline and offshore assets. Initially called the Iraqi Coastal Defense Force, its official name was changed on 12 January 2005.
As of February 2011, the navy has approximately 5000 sailors and marines which form an Operational headquarters, 5 afloat squadrons, and two marine battalions.
Headed by Rear Admiral Muhammad Jawad, the navy had plans to build six Al Uboor-class patrol boat
Patrol boat
A patrol boat is a relatively small naval vessel generally designed for coastal defense duties.There have been many designs for patrol boats. They may be operated by a nation's navy, coast guard, or police force, and may be intended for marine and/or estuarine or river environments...
s in Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
, with the first of the boats to enter service in September 2005. This project however, was ultimately canceled. Additionally, two Assad-class
Assad class corvette
The Assad class corvette were originally built for Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War, by Fincantieri in Italy. Six ships were ordered in 1981. They were completed just before Operation Desert Storm, and were never delivered because of the UN arms embargo. Four of the six ships were sold to the...
corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
s built for Iraq in the 1980s by Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
were originally planned to be delivered sometime around 2006–2007. The ships however, were found to be in a worse state than originally believed, forcing the Iraqi navy to reconsider the deal and instead buying 4 newer, smaller modified-Diciotti class
Diciotti class
The Diciotti class is an Italian designed offshore patrol vessel, presently in use with the Italian Coast Guard, Armed Forces of Malta and Iraqi Navy...
vessels. The 5 British corvettes and 1 Soviet
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
patrol boat operated by the Saddam-era Iraqi Navy were destroyed in the 2nd
2003 invasion of Iraq
The 2003 invasion of Iraq , was the start of the conflict known as the Iraq War, or Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 21 days of major combat operations...
and 1st Gulf Wars
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
respectively.
At the moment, the Iraqi Navy is designed for coastal water protection; stopping the smuggling of people, oil and weapons; and to protect the country's oil platforms. As a result, the Iraqi Navy mainly needs patrol boats-these could be backed up by fast attack craft. The patrol boats need to have the ability to launch RIBs for boarding ships and also possibly be able to accommodate a helicopter which would increase its patrol capability. The Iraqi Navy is building a second Marine battalion.
Kingdom of Iraq
The Iraqi Navy was formed in 1937 as a small four-ship force headquartered in Basra. Between 1937 and 1958, it was primarily a riverineBrown-water navy
Brown-water navy is a term that originated in the United States Navy, referring to the small gunboats and patrol boats used in rivers, along with some of the larger ships that supported them as "mother ships," from which they operated...
force.
Republic of Iraq, pre-Saddam
Following the 14 July Revolution14 July Revolution
The 14 July Revolution was a coup which took place on 14 July 1958 in Iraq, marking the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy established by King Faisal I in 1932 under the auspices of the British. In 1958, the coup overthrew King Faisal II, the regent and Crown Prince 'Abd al-Ilah, and Prime...
of 1958, the Iraqi navy began to expand. Operationally based in the port of Umm Qasr
Umm Qasr Port
Umm Qasr Port is Iraq's only deep water port, part of the city of Umm Qasr.Iraq's second port in scale of size and goods shipped to the port of Basra, it is strategically important, located on the western edge of the al-Faw peninsula, where the mouth of the Shatt al Arab waterway enters the Persian...
, the Arabic Gulf Academy for Sea Studies was established in Basra
Basra
Basra is the capital of Basra Governorate, in southern Iraq near Kuwait and Iran. It had an estimated population of two million as of 2009...
, which offered a bachelor's degree in war and engineering naval studies. By 1988, the Iraqi Navy grew to a force of 5,000, but played a relatively small role during the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War.
Republic of Iraq, Saddam
Between 1977 and 1987, the Iraqi Navy received eight Osa class missile boatOsa class missile boat
The Project 205 Tsunami, more commonly known by their NATO reporting name Osa, are a class of missile boats developed for the Soviet Navy in the early 1960s. The Osas are probably the most numerous class of missile boats ever built, with over 400 vessels constructed for both the Soviet Navy and for...
s, equipped with Styx
P-15 Termit
The P-15 Termit is an anti-ship missile developed by the Soviet Union's Raduga design bureau in the 1950s. Its GRAU designation was 4K40, its NATO reporting name was Styx or SS-N-2. In Russian service today it also seems to be called the Rubezh...
missiles, from the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. It also purchased four Lupo class frigate
Lupo class frigate
The Lupo class is a class of frigates built by Cantieri Navali Riuniti for the Italian Navy. Designed as multipurpose warships with emphasis on anti-surface warfare , they have enjoyed some success in the export market, being acquired by the navies of Peru and Venezuela...
s and six Assad class corvette
Assad class corvette
The Assad class corvette were originally built for Iraq during the Iran–Iraq War, by Fincantieri in Italy. Six ships were ordered in 1981. They were completed just before Operation Desert Storm, and were never delivered because of the UN arms embargo. Four of the six ships were sold to the...
s from Italy, although these were never delivered because of international sanctions following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
In September 1980, after Iraq's invasion of Iran (Iran-Iraq War
Iran-Iraq War
The Iran–Iraq War was an armed conflict between the armed forces of Iraq and Iran, lasting from September 1980 to August 1988, making it the longest conventional war of the twentieth century...
), Iran launched a massive blitzkrieg-style air attack, Operation Kaman-99
Operation Kaman 99
Operation Kaman 99 was an operation launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force in retaliation to Iraqi surprise aerial attacks on Iran the day before which marked the beginning of the 8-year-long Iran–Iraq War.-Prelude:...
(named after the mythical Persian/Iranian archer Arash Kamangir), it involving the bombing of hundreds of military bases in Iraq. In this operation, 70% of Iraq's navy was either destroyed or grounded. However, due to the West's constant selling of weapons (including poison gas) to Iraq in order to defeat Iran, the losses were quickly replaced.
The Iraqi Navy was almost completely destroyed during the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
of 1991. The Iraqi Navy had 19 ships sunk and 6 vessels damaged. In total, more than 100 Iraqi ships were destroyed. The Navy was not rebuilt and played no role in the Iraq War (2003). Of the units that remained by late 2002, most were in a poor state of repair and the crews were in a poor state of readiness.
Republic of Iraq, post-Saddam
In January 2004, the Iraqi Coastal Defense Force (ICDF) officially began training its first 214 volunteers.On 1 October 2004, the ICFD began coastal patrol operations.
On 11 November 2008, Rear Admiral Muhammad Jawad signed the historic non-legally binding Khawr Abd Allah Protocols or "KAA Protocols" at the Kuwait Naval Base. The protocols were the concept of the British Royal Navy in 2008 when in command of Combined Task Force 158
Combined Task Force 158
Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime or CTF IM is an international naval task group, established as a result of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It consists of naval assets from the United States Navy and Coast Guard, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy, working alongside elements of the Iraqi...
operating in the northern Gulf region and specifically within Iraqi territorial waters for the protection of the Iraqi oil terminals Al Basrah Oil Terminal
Al Basrah Oil Terminal
Al Basrah Oil Terminal is an Iraqi oil port. It lies southeast of the Al Faw peninsula in the Persian Gulf.Al Basrah Oil Terminal is more commonly referred to as "ABOT" and it, along with its sister terminal, the Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal or 'KAAOT", provides platforms from which a large majority...
and in support of Iraqi maritime boundaries
Maritime boundary
Maritime boundary is a conceptual means of division of the water surface of the planet into maritime areas that are defined through surrounding physical geography or by human geography. As such it usually includes areas of exclusive national rights over the mineral and biological resources,...
. They are a non-legally binding military agreement aiding deconfliction between the maritime forces of Kuwait and Iraq in the Khawr Abd Allah waterway and are reflected in a former United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is an organisation within the UK government responsible for providing navigational and other hydrographic information for national, civil and defence requirements...
chart and which was re-titled the "KAA Interoperability Admiralty Chart".
The protocols were developed, written and mediated by a British naval lawyer, Major David Hammond Royal Marines, working alongside the heads and staffs of both the Kuwaiti Navy
Kuwaiti Navy
The Kuwaiti navy, or Kuwait Naval Force , is the sea-based component of the Military of Kuwait. The headquarters and sole naval base is Ras al-Qulayah Naval Base, located in the south of Kuwait, approximately 35 miles south of Kuwait City...
and Iraqi Navy and which saw the historic first meeting on board a British warship HMS Chatham (F87)
HMS Chatham (F87)
HMS Chatham was a Batch 3 Type 22 frigate of the British Royal Navy. She has the rare honour of a motto in English; Up and at 'em, being the rallying cry of the Medway town football and rugby teams. The motto has subsequently been translated back into Latin as Surge et vince...
on 8 May 2008. The protocols were historically ratified and signed on 11 November 2008 at Kuwait Naval Base in the presence of Vice-Admiral Gourtney USN, commander of the United States Naval Forces Central Command based in Bahrain
Bahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
and remain an enduring success story in the region highlighting co-operation and co-ordination between the two countries.
On 30 April 2010, Iraqi naval forces took over responsibility for the protection of the Khawr al-Amaya and Basra oil terminals, as well as the ports of Umm Qasr and al-Zubair.
Commands
Iraqi Naval Headquarters: Baghdad (Camp Victory).May move to Umm Qasr.
Operational Headquarters: Umm Qasr
- Tactical Operations Center: Khawr al-Amaya Platform
- Tactical Operations Center: Al Basrah Platform
Naval Training Center: Umm Qasr
- NCO Academy
- Swiftboat Crew Training Course
Maritime Academy: Basrah
Diving Squadron: Umm Qasr
RHIBs
Patrol Squadron: Umm Qasr
PS701, PS702, PS703, PS704, PB301, PB302, PB303, and 5x U/I PBs.
Patrol Squadron: planned
Patrol Squadron: planned
Patrol Squadron: planned
Small Boat Squadron: Umm Qasr
Squadron equipped with American Defender Class
USCG Defender class boat
The Defender-class boat, also called Response Boat – Small and Response Boat – Homeland Security , is a standard boat introduced by the United States Coast Guard in 2002...
boats.
Support & Auxiliary Squadron: Umm Qasr
Marines
1st Marine Brigade Special Troops Battalion: Basrah Log CityIn December 2010 was redesignated 1st and moving to Basrah Log City. Reached full strength in 2011.
- 1st Marine (Wolverines) Battalion: Umm Qasr
- 2nd Marine Battalion: Umm Qasr/Az Zubayr
- 3rd Marine Battalion: Basrah Log City
- 1st Marine Bde Base Support Unit: Basrah Log City
2nd Marine Brigade Special Troops Battalion: planned
planned
Personnel
1,500 sailors and officers, in addition to 800 in the Iraqi Naval Battalion (marines) who guard the platforms.| Commanders | Dates |
|---|---|
| Rear Admiral Ali Hussain Ali | 2009 to present |
| Rear Admiral Mohammed Jawad | 2004 to 2009 |
Equipment
Patrol and Coastal Combatants
- 4 53.4-meter Saettia MK4 classDiciotti classThe Diciotti class is an Italian designed offshore patrol vessel, presently in use with the Italian Coast Guard, Armed Forces of Malta and Iraqi Navy...
offshore patrol vessels (PS 701),(PS 702), (PS 703), (PS 704) - 6 of 15(option for 3 additional) 35-meter Swiftships Model 35PB1208 E-1455 (P-301), (P-302), (P-303), (P-304), (P-305), (P-306), (P-307), (P-308), (P-309), (P-310), (P-311), (P-312), (P-313), (P-314), (P-315)
- 5 27-meter Predator Class patrol boats (P-101), (P-102), (P-103), (P-104), (P-105)
- 64 PBRs
- 10 river patrol boats (PBRPatrol Boat, RiverPatrol Boat, River , or PBR, is the United States Navy designation for a small rigid-hulled patrol boat used in the Vietnam War from March 1966 until the end of 1971...
)
On 15 February 2006 the Iraqi Navy signed a $101 million contract with the Italian Government to provide four Saettia MK4 class Offshore-Patrol Vessel
Patrol boat
A patrol boat is a relatively small naval vessel generally designed for coastal defense duties.There have been many designs for patrol boats. They may be operated by a nation's navy, coast guard, or police force, and may be intended for marine and/or estuarine or river environments...
s.
The Saettia MK4 class is a modified Diciotti class
Diciotti class
The Diciotti class is an Italian designed offshore patrol vessel, presently in use with the Italian Coast Guard, Armed Forces of Malta and Iraqi Navy...
offshore patrol boat, as originally used by the Guardia Costiera
Guardia Costiera
The Corps of the Port Captaincies - Coast Guard is the coast guard of Italy and is part of the Italian Navy under the control of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport....
. The vessels are to be built by Fincantieri
Fincantieri
Fincantieri - Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A. is a shipbuilding company based in Trieste, Italy. It was formed in 1959 and is the largest shipbuilder in the Mediterranean, and one of the largest in Europe...
at Riva Trigoso, with modifications including increased crew capacity of 38. The contract also comprises the provision of logistical support and crew training with each crew completing a 7 week training course. In cooperation with the Marina Militare (Italian Navy)
Marina Militare
The Italian Navy is the navy of the Italian Republic. It is one of the four branches of military forces of Italy; formed in 1946, from what remained of the Regia Marina . As of 2008, the Italian Navy had 35,200 active personnel with 180 commissioned ships, 19 Floating Docks, and 123 aircraft...
, each commissioning crew is provided with a week’s bridge simulator course at the Academy
Accademia Navale di Livorno
The Italian Naval Academy is a coeducational military university in Leghorn , which is responsible for the technical training of military officers of the Italian Navy.-The Hospital of St. James:...
in Livorno
Livorno
Livorno , traditionally Leghorn , is a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the western edge of Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Livorno, having a population of approximately 160,000 residents in 2009.- History :...
.
In May 2009, the first vessel, Patrol Ship 701 named Fatah (Arabic
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
for Opening), was handed over at the Muggiano, La Spezia shipyard. The crew hand been training since January 2009, and would now be heading for Umm Qasr
Umm Qasr
Umm Qasr , is a port city in southern Iraq. It stands on the canalised Khawr az-Zubayr, part of the Khawr Abd Allah estuary which leads to the Persian Gulf. It is separated from the border of Kuwait by a small inlet...
, a 20 day/5,000 nautical miles journey via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
and Red Sea
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, there is the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez...
. There, additional training will be completed, before the vessel takes over duties from the British Royal Marine patrols, who will then revert to a training role of new crew. The vessels will be used to patrol the exclusive economic zone, control maritime traffic, for search and rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
and fire fighting
Fire fighting
Firefighting is the act of extinguishing fires. A firefighter fights fires to prevent loss of life, and/or destruction of property and the environment...
.
On September 2009, the Iraqi Navy awarded a $181 million contract to Swiftships Shipbuilders of Morgan City
Morgan City, Louisiana
Morgan City is a city in St. Martin and St. Mary parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 12,404 at the 2010 census....
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
for the construction of 9 coastal patrol vessels. The vessels are purchased under Foreign Military Sales
Foreign Military Sales
The U.S. Department of Defense's Foreign Military Sales program facilitates sales of U.S. arms, defense equipment, defense services, and military training to foreign governments...
.
The Iraqi Navy is expected by the end of the year to award a $109 million contract to build two 60-meter Off-Shore Support Vessels. The FMS program will contribute $82 million. The ships will provide logistical support for securing the oil platforms, to the Interceptor boats and more than 60 Fast Attack boats.
Lieutenant Abdul, the captain of patrol boat 301.
The five 27-meter Predator Class patrol boats: (P-101), (P-102), (P-103), (P-104), (P-105); were purchased used from Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
. Built in Taiwan and delivered in 2002, they were to be the new ICDF's first ships and were to be purchased under the oil-for-food program. Due to their military compatibilities they were not allowed to enter Iraq until 2004. They are aged and delivered barely seaworthy.
Support Vessels
- 1 offshore supply vessel
- Al Shams (Sun):
September 2006, an Iraqi marine company will deliver a new ship (Al Shams or the Sun) which was bought from Iraqi aquatic transportation company to be employed as guiding afloat station across the sea in order.
- 2 offshore support vessels
Future procurement
Possible future procurement of fast missile craft and mine hunting vessels.External links
- http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/feb2005/a021705la1.html
- http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/jun_05_66.php
- http://iraqieconomy.org/home/bilecon/uae/20050515
- http://www.cpa-iraq.org/pressreleases/20040419_coastal_defense.html
- David Axe – On Its Own: The Iraqi Navy in 2005 – Proceedings, August 2005
- David Axe – Resurrection – Sea Power, November 2005
- http://www.nanhuaship.com/EN/product.asp?pid=18&cid=74&page=3