Colombia buys three BAF-36 boats for its marine infantry

The Colombian Marine Infantry acquired three BAF-36 boats. (Erich Saumeth)

Colombia has acquired three river support boats of the MAR 10 BAF-36FT-Military type, to be deployed by its marine infantry, the Colombian Navy (Armada de la República de Colombia: ARC) confirmed to Janes.

The boats were delivered during the first and second week of March, Andrés Giraldo, general manager of MAR 10 told Janes.

The trio of ships cost about USD900,000, he said.

The BAF-36 is 11 m long and 2.9 m wide, with a load capacity of up to 5,000 kg, being able to transport 31 men as well as a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). It is powered by two 250 hp outboard engines.

The boats also have two bow mounts – port and starboard – manufactured by CR Systems for US Ordnance M-60 7.62×51 mm machine guns, a removable canvas tent, access from the bow, and a fuel tank with a capacity of 1,135.6 litres.