Djiboutian Navy

The Djiboutian Navy is responsible for the security of the entire coastline of Djibouti, more than 314 km, as well as the Djiboutian territorial waters.

History
The Djiboutian Navy was launched two years after Djibouti gained its independence in 1977. Initially it comprised the remnants of the Gendarmerie and was focused on port safety and traffic monitoring.The navy remains a relatively small force although has some potential and has benefited from the donation by the US in 2006 of five patrol ships with a range of 350 miles, which help protect its 314 km of coastline where smuggling and terrorism pose threats to the security of the nearby maritime environment. This is an area known to have considerable fish stocks, an important part of the diet of the indigenous population and which industry provides over 1,000 jobs for local people.The donation of these boats considerably increases the ability of the navy to project power over longer distances and to remain at sea for several days at a time. Co-operation with the Yemeni Navy is also increasing as the US and Yemen countries seek to protect and maintain the safety and security of the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC).

Naval ships or boats

 * 35 Tonne Swari-Class Inshore Patrol boat (6 boats)
 * Metal Shark 28 Patrol boat (2 boats)
 * Coast Guard Boats (5 boats)

Weapons

 * Rocket Launchers
 * Machine Guns

Djiboutian Navy in Combat
The Djiboutian Navy was active during the Djiboutian–Eritrean border conflict. On June 14, 2008, the Somaliland Times reported that a Djiboutian Navy Missile may have hit and sunk an Eritrean Navy Gun-Boat.