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The Sri Lanka Navy’s latest offshore patrol vessel, P 628, departed Baltimore on February 20, 2026, beginning a historic voyage to its new home port in Colombo. The vessel, formerly the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Decisive, was officially handed over to Sri Lanka in December 2025 and has since undergone modernization to meet the specific operational requirements of the Sri Lankan fleet.

The journey is set to be the longest passage ever undertaken by a Sri Lankan naval ship, covering approximately 14,775 nautical miles. The transit will take the P 628 through the Atlantic Ocean and include a landmark passage through the Panama Canal, the first time a Sri Lankan naval vessel has navigated the waterway. From there, the ship will cross the Pacific Ocean and enter the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Malacca, with an expected arrival in the first week of May 2026.

Measuring 64 meters in length, the Reliance-class cutter is designed for high-endurance missions. It is equipped with advanced surveillance technology and possesses an operational range of up to 6,000 nautical miles per patrol. 

This transfer marks the fourth vessel provided to Sri Lanka by the United States under the Excess Defense Articles program. During the months-long transit, the P 628 will make several scheduled port calls to replenish supplies and engage in diplomatic exchanges with partner nations. Officials noted that the acquisition reinforces a long-standing maritime partnership aimed at addressing shared regional challenges. (NewsWire)

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