Dominican Navy adds new coast guard vessel

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic Navy has added the Defiant 85-class Coast Guard Cutter ARCTURUS (GC-114) to its fleet, acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Sale program. The purchase-donation agreement was financed 70% by the United States and 30% by the Dominican Republic. The vessel was formally received at the Port of Sans Soucí.

Built in Louisiana, the ARCTURUS measures 87 feet, features an aluminum hull, and is powered by two Caterpillar C32 engines that reach speeds of up to 26 knots. It has a capacity of 20 tons, can accommodate a crew of 22, and includes a rigid inflatable boat launching system, with the ability to mount machine guns. The vessel will be used to strengthen surveillance against drug trafficking, illegal fishing, irregular migration, organized crime, and to support search and rescue operations.

With this addition, the Dominican Navy now operates two vessels of this class, enhancing its maritime security and defense capabilities. Following the commissioning ceremony, Dominican and U.S. authorities held a strategic meeting to discuss regional security cooperation, transnational crime, and preparations for the upcoming Summit of the Americas, scheduled for December in Punta Cana.