PARAMARIBO – On Monday, the National Army (NL) officially commissioned the RSS Barracuda into active duty. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) wharf.

The event was attended by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Parliament Chairman Marinus Bee, Defense Minister Krishnakoemarie Mathoera, Staatsolie Director Annand Jagesar, Bram van der Plas (Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards Group), and representatives from the Netherlands, India, and Brazil.

With the addition of the RSS Barracuda, the National Army has enhanced its capability to safeguard Suriname’s maritime territories. The vessel will be used for patrolling coastal waters, combating illegal fishing, and securing the nation’s oil and gas industry.

General Werner Kioe A Sen highlighted that illegal fishing costs Suriname approximately $60 million annually, underscoring the importance of this acquisition. He remarked, “The purchase of the RSS Barracuda is a good investment.”

Defense Minister Mathoera noted that the army would no longer act as a mere security service but would assume an active and strategic role. She stated, “The era of uncertainty regarding the army’s role is definitely over.” The RSS Barracuda is a lease-to-buy ship, and the government is financing the acquisition independently.