The Mark VI Patrol Boat is a SAFE Boats-built U.S. littoral patrol craft designed for force-protection patrols beyond sheltered harbors, high-value unit escort, visit-board-search-and-seizure missions, and theater security cooperation. Ukraine's Mark VI program links the craft to the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War through U.S.-approved transfer and contract work, with open sources supporting procurement and armament integration rather than confirmed combat employment.
The United States approved, funded, and contracted armed Mark VI patrol boats for Ukraine to improve its ability to patrol and defend territorial waters; available sources document procurement, outfitting, and weapons-integration work rather than confirmed Ukrainian operational use.
Role detailsThe Navy fact file frames the Mark VI as a persistent littoral patrol craft rather than an ocean combatant. Its mission package is built around force protection, high-value unit escort, security-force assistance, VBSS work, and theater-security cooperation.
The official feature list covers VBSS, EOD or special-operations teams, medical evacuation or triage, berthing or detainee carriage, and command-and-control missions.
The craft can support UAV, USV, UUV, and combat rubber raiding craft operations, making it useful as a small maritime mission platform.
The sourced Ukraine record supports transfer, construction, outfitting, and weapons-integration work; it does not establish confirmed combat employment by Ukrainian crews.
The Mark VI family is documented mainly as the 85-foot production patrol boat; related sources also describe earlier Coastal Command Boat work and mission-specific fit changes.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine Mark VI Patrol Boat | Foreign Military Sales and security-assistance configuration | The DSCA package listed Ukrainian boats with MSI Seahawk A2 gun systems, FLIR sensors, LRAD systems, IFF systems, Mk44 cannons, communications equipment, training, and support. Sources: DSCA Ukraine Mark VI Sale |
The Department of Defense awarded SAFE Boats a contract for four MK VI patrol boats, with options and completion work tied to the U.S. Navy program.
Sources: DoD 2014 Mark VI Contract
Coastal Riverine Group 2 accepted the first two of 12 MK VI patrol boats, marking the craft's entry into U.S. Navy coastal riverine service.
Sources: Navy First Two Accepted
The State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine of up to 16 Mark VI patrol boats and related equipment for an estimated $600 million.
Sources: DSCA Ukraine Mark VI Sale
U.S. and company records covered six Mk VI patrol boats, with an option for two more, under a Ukraine-linked BPC and FMF-funded program.
Sources: DoD September 2021 Mark VI Contract, SAFE Boats Mark VI Contract
A U.S. contract modification exercised options for two additional Mark VI patrol boats using Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds, with completion expected in March 2026.
Sources: DoD December 2021 Mark VI Contract
A U.S. contract modification exercised options for procurement and installation of four gun weapon systems onto Mark VI boats with spares and training using Ukraine Foreign Military Financing.
Sources: DoD 2023 Mark VI Weapons Contract
