Bridging the Gulf – private sector moves to fill naval gaps
Amid widespread cuts to defence budgets, West African countries see private sector as way to boost naval capacity in Gulf of Guinea.
Private maritime security companies are seeking to provide West African countries with naval platforms and personnel to protect key offshore infrastructure projects, as regional navies struggle to contend with the twin problems of budget constraints and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
While countries such as Nigeria still have the capacity to procure new vessels to serve their own maritime security needs, many countries in the region have recorded a dip in defence spending in recent years.
According to data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), defence expenditure as a proportion of GDP decreased between 2017-2019 for nine
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards
Multiple Latin American navies are modernising their fleets by prioritising domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines via international partnerships.
-
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.
