Strategically positioned along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh plays an important role in maritime security across the broader Indo-Pacific region, and the United States and Bangladesh have maintained a longstanding defense partnership. Over the past 15 years, Bangladesh has become one of Metal Shark’s most significant international customers, acquiring more than 50 patrol boats operated by the country’s Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. The latest orders further expand a fleet that has supported maritime security, patrol, interdiction, and coastal defense missions for more than a decade.
“There’s no greater endorsement of our products than a customer who continues to come back to us year after year,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “Bangladesh has been a valued customer for over 15 years, and we’re tremendously proud of the trust their armed forces have placed in Metal Shark. Beyond delivering reliable vessels, we’re proud to support a longstanding US security partner whose maritime capabilities contribute to stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
The welded-aluminum 38 Defiant is a proven military and law enforcement platform designed for coastal patrol, maritime interdiction, port security, search and rescue, and other security missions. Combining high-speed performance and responsive maneuverability with all-weather crew protection, the versatile platform has been delivered to military and government customers worldwide.
Bangladesh’s continued investment in the 38 Defiant also provides significant advantages in fleet commonality, simplifying operator training, maintenance, logistics, and long-term sustainment across multiple military and maritime security organizations.
“Bangladesh has been an exceptionally important partner for Metal Shark, and the longevity of this relationship is something we value greatly,” said Henry Irizarry, Metal Shark’s Senior Vice President of International Business Development. “Over the years, we’ve worked closely with our Bangladeshi customers to understand their evolving operational requirements and deliver vessels suited to their missions. We’re honored to continue supporting their fleet and look forward to building on this relationship for many years to come.”
The additional vessels will be constructed at Metal Shark’s production facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana, where the company has built hundreds of 38 Defiant patrol boats for US and international military customers.
