In a major step towards bolstering regional security, the United Kingdom on Thursday donated two high-speed interceptor boats to The Gambia Navy, reinforcing growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
The official handover ceremony took place at the Naval Command headquarters in Banjul.
British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Harriet King, formally presented the vessels to Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces.
“These boats represent the UK’s strong and enduring commitment to The Gambia’s national security and maritime sovereignty,” said High Commissioner King.
“We are proud to support the Gambian Navy in its mission to secure its territorial waters and combat transnational threats.”
The two PAC 22 Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) are advanced all-weather vessels designed for high-speed maritime operations.
Their versatility and manoeuvrability make them ideal for a wide range of missions including anti-smuggling patrols, surveillance against illegal fishing, and emergency search and rescue efforts.
Lieutenant General Cham expressed gratitude for the donation and underlined its significance.
“With increasing challenges in our maritime domain, these boats will significantly boost our capacity to secure our waters, deter criminal activity, and protect our marine resources,” he said.
The support is part of a broader UK strategy aimed at strengthening maritime security along West Africa’s Atlantic corridor, a region often targeted by illegal trafficking networks, unregulated fishing operations, and piracy.
Defence analysts note that such partnerships are essential in addressing persistent maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, which encompasses Gambian waters.
The Gambia Navy is currently undergoing phased modernization to adapt to evolving security demands. This latest contribution by the UK complements regional efforts led by ECOWAS and international allies to enhance coastal defence and inter-agency collaboration.
In addition to the equipment donation, Royal Navy personnel will provide operational and maintenance training for Gambian naval officers.
The goal is to ensure that the vessels are deployed effectively in safeguarding national and regional interests.
The ceremony concluded with a live demonstration, where the boats showcased their speed and tactical precision before an audience of dignitaries, military leaders, and journalists.
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