The Coast Guard is acquiring two types of boats to complement its cutter fleet. The long range interceptor II will help cutter crews extend their interdiction range. The over the horizon IV boats will deliver boarding teams to vessels of interest.
Why this program?
While Coast Guard cutters are mission-capable with current boats, the new craft acquired under this program will more specifically meet the Coast Guard’s functional requirements. The LRI-II features increased passenger carrying capability, improved dynamic stability, higher speeds, ballistic protection systems, robust logistics support infrastructure, and appropriate hull designs for stern launch requirements. The OTH-IV features high-speed and larger passenger capacity. Both boats are capable of operating from Coast Guard cutters equipped for stern launch.
How are the cutter boats being acquired?
The cutter boats project will procure up to 10, 35-foot LRI-II, including one for each of the national security cutters. Additionally, the program will procure up to 114, 26-foot OTH-IV, which the Coast Guard will deploy aboard the NSC and some other platforms. With the introduction of the offshore patrol cutter and the polar security cutter approaching, a new project to acquire the next generation OTH, the OTH-V, has been initiated.