Angola confirmed to be operating HSI 32 interceptors

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The Angolan Navy is operating HSI 32 high-speed patrol craft acquired from France’s CMN under a larger 495 million euro deal.

In September 2016, UAE-based Privinvest announced it would establish a shipyard in Angola and supply several naval vessels under a 495 million euro deal. Privinvest has facilities and shipyards in a number of countries including France (Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie – CMN), Germany (German Naval Yards Kiel) and the Middle East.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the 2016 deal included three HSI 32 patrol craft, which were delivered in 2019, and a long range offshore patrol vessel and a short range patrol vessel from France. The patrol vessels are believed to be Vigilante-1400 and Vigilante-400 models built by CMN. Photos recently emerged confirming the HSI 32s in Angolan service.

The HSI 32 is also in service with Mozambique, which in September 2013 signed a controversial 200 million euro deal with CMN to build the three Ocean Eagle 43s, three HSI32 interceptors and 24 fishing vessels over a two year period. The HSI 32s were delivered to Mozambique from 2016.

The HSI 32 has a length of 32.2 metres and a width of 6.4 metres. Crew complement is 12. The type is made from aluminium for light weight and agility. Sensor options can include a surveillance radar, electro-optical sensors and a satellite link for transferring images and other data.

The HSI 32 interceptor can reach speeds of up to 43 knots and can undertake patrols for three days, with a range of 800 nautical miles at 12 knots or 580 nautical miles at 33 knots. Weapon options include a remotely operated 20 mm cannon and two 12.7 mm machineguns. A 4.8 metre RHIB can be launched from the back of the boat. Crew complement is 12. These vessels are ideal for anti-piracy, anti-terrorism and anti-smuggling missions.

Angola has been expanding its small navy in recent times and in December 2015 ordered new equipment from Italy, including two patrol boats, radars and six helicopters (four AW139s and two A109Ks). The 7.3 million euro patrol boat order was placed with Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei, part of Finmeccanica (Lenoardo).

The Angolan Navy’s most recent delivery was four Super Dvora Mk III patrol craft, which were ordered from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2015 and delivered in 2016. A Cessna Citation jet was delivered in 2017 after being modified to maritime patrol configuration in Israel (this included fitment of a Seaspray radar). In 2018 Angola ordered three C295MP maritime patrol aircraft from Spain.