The Ukrainian Navy has received boats similar to the American RAB (Riverine Assault Boat).

The corresponding video was published by the press service of the Ukrainian Navy.

It is reported that the boats had been involved in practicing river crossing and landing of marines.

The conclusion that it is a 10-meter RAB can be made by several characteristic features – a distinctive camouflage similar to ERDL/Woodland patterns, the presence of sides and a stern panel above the “threshold” behind which a machine gun mount is installed.

However, it is still worth noting that it is less likely to be its “special operations relative” – SOC-R (Special Operations Craft – Riverine).

The angle of the photo does not allow us to identify these boats more precisely, but the stern mount of the machine gun suggests that it is a RAB.

As a reminder, the Ukrainian Navy is studying the possibility of purchasing five new multi-purpose patrol vessels made in Denmark.

Riverine Assault Boat and Special Operations Craft – Riverine

The RAB and SOC-R boats are used for riverine and coastal operations. Their hulls are made of aluminum, their length is the same and is about 10 meters (33 feet), and their draft is about 0.6 meters (2 feet).

The maximum speed of fully loaded boats is about 40 knots.

Read more about the river fleet in the article “Riverine Navy in Ukrainian Realities”.

RABs have a crew of up to 6 people, while SOC-Rs have a crew of 5 to 8 (depending on the number of weapons installed).

The boats can be easily transported by trucks, helicopters or airplanes.

RAB and SOC-R are equipped with a large number of different weapons, which can optionally include 5-6 machine guns.

The hull of the boats can protect the crew from light small arms.