Arrow-class patrol boat

Arrow is a series of fast patrol/assault speed boat made by the Sri Lanka Navy for use by its littoral warfare units, the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS). The boat is capable of achieving high speeds and is highly maneuverable, meeting the requirements of these units in small boat operations. Armed with an autocannon or automatic grenade launcher as its primary weapon system and multiple machine guns, the Arrow boats provides relatively high firepower despite its small size. It is also used by the navy for inshore monitoring operations.

Development
According to the requirements of its elite unit the SBS, for a fast and maneuverable boat with high firepower, the navy developed the first prototype of the Arrow in 2006. The prototype was completed within a month. The tests carried out with this prototype were successful. Production was begun immediately after this, and the boats were deployed soon after. The navy produces the Arrow at a unit cost of Rs. 1.7 million (US$ 17,000). http://lankadailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/arrow-boats-sri-lanka-navy.jpg

Design
The Arrow boat is powered by a single 200 bhp outboard motor. Another variant of the boat, fitted with two outboard motors is also developed. The body is made of strengthened fiberglass. The boat is 18 feet (5.49 m) long. No armour is provided, with the intention of keeping the boat light enough to meet the primary requirements of speed and maneuverability.

Armament
A 23mm autocannon is used as the primary weapon of the Arrow boat, mounted on the forward end. In some variants, this is replaced by an automatic grenade launcher. As the secondary armament, several PKM 7.62mm machine guns are used, fixed on each side of the boat.

Operational history
The Arrow boat is in service with the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron since its development in 1993. From mid 2008, it is also issued to the newly created Rapid Action Boat Squadron. The Arrow boat has been used widely by the Sri Lanka Navy against the LTTE’s Sea Tigers in Eelam War IV.

The 100th Arrow
The 100th Arrow boat was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy on 11 September 2008. A ceremony was held at the navy base SLNS Gemunu at Welisara to mark this event, presided by the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.