Another Spanish firm plans to circumvent US arms embargo

Another Spanish boatmaker planning to circumvent the US arms embargo on the Chavez regime.

Rodman Polyships is building 31 high-speed patrol boats to serve as what the pro-government El Universal calls "surveillance, security and salvage ships." The deal is worth $199 million and the boats' US navigational components will be replaced by Japanese and European instruments.

According to Defense Industry Daily, "The boats will reportedly be 30, 20 and 17 meters long (approx. 100, 75, and 55 feet). In order to avoid the US ITAR arms export regulations that appear to have killed the deal for EADS-CASA aircraft, they will reportedly use European and Japanese navigation and communication equipment that does not fall under such regulations."

While known for its composite-hulled yachts and pleasure craft, Rodman Poliships says that one of its specialties is building "paramilitary" boats.

The boats are well-suited for Venezuela's diverse coastline, estuaries and rivers. The high-powered vessels can be converted effectively into maneuverable gunships and serve other military purposes with little modification. According to the article, the Spanish company may also transfer composite construction technology to Venezuela.