Name Arrow , Cedric In commission 2006 | Builders Sri Lanka Navy Completed 100+ | |
Operators Sri Lanka Navy
Nigerian Navy Cost Rs. 1.7 million (US$ 17,000) | ||
The Arrow class is a series of fast patrol/assault speed boat constructed by the Sri Lanka Navy for use by its littoral warfare units, the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS). The boat is capable of achieving high speeds and is highly maneuverable, meeting the requirements of these units in small boat operations. Armed with an autocannon or automatic grenade launcher as its primary weapon system and with multiple machine guns, the Arrow boats provides relatively high firepower despite its small size. It is also used by the navy for inshore monitoring operations.
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Development
Designed according to the requirements of its elite unit, the SBS, for a fast and maneuverable boat with high firepower, the navy developed the first prototype of the Arrow in 1994 and the boats were first used in combat in 2006. The navy produces the Arrow at a unit cost of Rs. 1.7 million (US$17,000).
Design
The Arrow boat is powered by a single 200 bhp (150 kW) outboard motor. Another variant of the boat, fitted with two outboard motors has also been developed. The hull is made of strengthened fiberglass. The boat is 18 feet (5.49 m) long. No armour is provided, with the intention of keeping the boat light enough to meet the primary requirements of speed and maneuverability.
Armament
A 23 mm caliber autocannon is installed as the primary weapon of the Arrow boat, mounted in the bow. In some variants, this is replaced by an automatic grenade launcher, secondary armament consists of several PKM 7.62mm machine guns mounted on each side of the boat.
Operational history
The Arrow boat has been in service with the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron since its development. From mid 2008, it has also been issued to the newly created Rapid Action Boat Squadron. The Arrow boat was widely used by the Sri Lanka Navy against the LTTE’s Sea Tigers during the last phase of the Sri Lankan Civil War, known as the Eelam War IV.
The 100th Arrow boat was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy on 11 September 2008. A ceremony was held at the navy base SLNS Gemunu at Welisara to mark this event, presided over by the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Nigerian Navy
Nine Arrow-class boats were exported to Nigeria in 2016 for the use of the Nigerian Navy in a deal worth USD 4.2 million.