Israel continues armament deliveries to Senegal amid conflict with Hamas.

According to information published by Israel Shipyards on July 25, 2024, the Senegalese navy has received a 24-meter Landing Craft from the Israeli company. They arrived at the Dakar naval base after a voyage from Haifa.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The two Israeli built 24-meter Landing Craft Fadiouth and Yoff at the . (Picture source: Israel Shipyards)

The Gulf of Guinea, where Senegal is located, faces persistent threats from piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. The new LCM vessels are a vital addition to Senegal's naval fleet, designed to improve its ability to conduct coastal and riverine operations, thus bolstering the security of its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The LCM vessels are part of a broader strategy by Senegal to modernize its naval forces. Previously, Senegal has procured advanced vessels such as the Shaldag MK II and MK V from Israel, which are equipped for a range of missions including patrol, interdiction, and special operations​.

For Israel, continuing to fulfill its defense contracts during times of conflict serves multiple strategic purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates Israel Shipyards Ltd.'s reliability and commitment to delivering on its promises. This reliability is crucial for maintaining and expanding its market presence globally, especially in regions that require robust security solutions.

Secondly, these deliveries reflect Israel's broader strategic interest in maintaining strong defense relationships with countries in Africa and beyond. By supporting the defense needs of nations like Senegal, Israel not only fosters bilateral relations but also contributes to regional stability.

Geopolitical implications

The geopolitical implications of Israel's continued delivery of armaments amid the Gaza conflict are multifaceted. On one hand, it highlights the resilience of Israel's defense export industry in the face of international scrutiny and calls for arms embargoes. For instance, recent motions in the Canadian Parliament to end arms exports to Israel due to concerns over the Gaza conflict have put pressure on Israel’s defense relationships. Despite such pressures, Israel's ability to honor its commitments to Senegal indicates a strategic determination to uphold its defense agreements​​.

On the other hand, these deliveries also reflect the complex interplay of international relations. While Israel faces criticism and diplomatic challenges due to its actions in Gaza, its defense exports to countries like Senegal underscore the nuanced nature of global defense collaborations. These relationships are often driven by mutual security interests and strategic considerations that transcend immediate geopolitical conflicts.