The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Tunisia of 65’ SAFE Archangel Boats and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $110 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 20 August 2024.

The Government of Tunisia has requested to buy additional non-MDE 65’ SAFE Archangel boats and additional non-MDE articles and services that will be added to a previously implemented case.

The original FMS case, valued at $49.3 million, included non-MDE 65’ SAFE Archangel boats and non-MDE articles and services, consisting of commercial variant marine global positioning systems; navigation systems; communications equipment; training; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $110 million.

This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to play an important role in regional security and Peacekeeping Operations throughout Africa.

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 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. The boats will build on Tunisia’s existing military capability. Tunisia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and services will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor is SAFE Boats International, located in Bremerton, Washington. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Tunisia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

Founded in 1996, SAFE Boats International (SAFE) designs and builds highly reliable and extremely durable vessels that help keep military, law enforcement and fire professionals safe as they carry out their duties, protect citizens and work to save lives.

Headquartered just outside Seattle, Washington in the city of Bremerton, SAFE Boats is 100 percent American owned and operated. The company was named for its pioneering wrap-around collar design: Secure Around Flotation Equipped.

SAFE Boats International serves:

• Military: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force.
• Federal agencies: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, National Park Service, NOAA, and more.
• State and local law enforcement: Los Angeles Port Police, New York Police Department (NYPD), Florida Fish & Wildlife, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Police Department, and more.
• Fire and rescue: Fire Department of New York (FDNY), San Francisco Fire Department, Mackinac Island Fire Department, St. Louis Fire Department, Broward County Sheriff, and more.
• International: Chilean Navy, Mexican Navy, Nigerian Navy, Pakistan Navy, Tunisian Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, Colombian Navy, Colombian Coast Guard, and more.

With over 270 employees and 200,000+ square feet of production space across three facilities, SAFE delivered over 2,500 boats to customers in over 50 countries worldwide.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA); SAFE Boats International; Photo © SAFE Boats International