The Raptor (Project 03160) high-speed patrol boat
© www.pellaship.ruThe Raptor (Project 03160) high-speed patrol boat
On May 20, Syrian pro-government activists revealed that the Syrian Coastal Guards had received at least one Project 03160 "Raptor" high speed patrol boat from the Russian Navy. The boat is currently carrying out patrols along the coast of the city of Tartus, according to the activists.

The news outlet Shephard Military News reported on July 8, 2017 that Russia is planning to supply the Syrian Coastal Guard with new patrol boats and other equipment. Back then, the source said that the delivery of boats will begin in 2017 and will be completed in 2019.

Russian Ro-Ro ship Alexandr Tkachenko was spotted carrying military equipment including at least one Raptor high speed patrol boat while crossing the Bosporus en route to the Syrian coastal city of Tartus on April 13.


The Project 03160 is one of the world's most modern patrol boats with a range of 100 nautical miles and a speed of up to 90 km/h. Equipped with a 2,000-hp twin-waterjet power plant, it also has a modern marine radar and several modern electro-optical night-daytime systems. It's armed with 14.5-mm Uprava-KORD remote-controlled fighting module and two 7.62mm machine guns. Such boats can be used for counter-terrorism and special operations or search and rescue operations (SAR).

These patrol boats are a huge boost for the limited capabilities of Syrian Coastal Guards. The delivery of these boasts also confirms that Russia is committed to assist the struggling Syrian Navy, which is one of the conditions of the Tartus naval base agreement.