The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has purchased its Legend-class offshore patrol craft under the Sandy Bottom project. (Photo: Royal Bahamas Defence Force)

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) is undergoing considerable renovations via its Sandy Bottom project, including upgrading infrastructure and acquiring naval platforms.

The Caribbean state has expanded its fleet in recent years and in April 2015 Damen Shipyards delivered HMBS Rolly Gray, which is the fourth Stan Patrol 4207 constructed for the Bahamas as part of Sandy Bottom.

On 18 March the RBDF commissioned three new vessels: offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) HMBS Lignum Vitae and HMBS Cascarilla, and support vessel HMBS Lawrence Major. Additionally, two OPVs, HMBS Bahamas and HMBS Nassau, are being refitted.

A Bahamian government official told IHS Jane's on 23 May that Bahamas will be ready in October and the other vessel by mid-2017.

Apart from upgrades to its naval platforms, three RBDF bases will have new dredging and infrastructural development: the RBDF headquarters at Coral Harbour in New Providence Island, Matthew Town in Great Inagua Island, and the Gun Point base in Ragged Island. The Bahamian official said upgrades are scheduled to be finished by year's end.

Nassau expects to spend USD232 million on Sandy Bottom.

The Bahamian official also suggested that the RBDF may acquire aerial platforms, but this would be separate from the Sandy Bottom programme.

Apart from the recent acquisitions, the RBDF has also boosted its end strength and on 15 April it incorporated a total of 82 new personnel.

By Alejandro Sanchez

Source: janes.com