Not so quiet on the western front

摘要

Angola has become the latest West African nation to enhance its dedicated maritime security installations. Although it's only in the initial stages, the government initiative aims to use its established surveillance stations in conjunction with two fast attack boats. This follows Angola's 2014 invitation to defence industries and maritime security experts to advise on how best to develop maritime security within its exclusive economic zone. Following discussions with Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Italian tech giant Finmeccanica has secured a contract to supply radar repeaters and communications systems through its subsidiary, Selex ES. The two fast-attack naval vessels will be supplied by Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei, which is another Finmeccanica subsidiary. All the surveillance co-ordination will be run from a central hub called the National Maritime Security Coordination Center in Angola's capital city of Luanda. An additional three regional stations will be based along the coast, feeding directly to the central hub. This endeavor is thought to be costing the Angolans USD133 million.