U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Decisive Transferred to Sri Lankan Navy

The 55-year-old vessel embarks on a historic 77-day, 14,775-nautical mile voyage to Sri Lanka.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:15am

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The Sri Lankan Navy is set to significantly enhance its maritime capabilities with the arrival of a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Decisive (P628). Departing Baltimore, Maryland, on February 21, 2026, the 55-year-old vessel has begun a 77-day, 14,775 nautical mile journey – the longest single sea voyage ever undertaken by a Sri Lankan naval ship – and a first-time transit of the Panama Canal.

Why it matters

The transfer of Decisive is facilitated by the United States' Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, a key component of U.S. Security cooperation. This makes Sri Lanka the leading operator of U.S. EDA-transferred cutters, underscoring the deepening maritime partnership between the two nations.

The details

Originally commissioned in 1968 as the 15th of the 16-ship Reliance-Class Medium Endurance Cutters, Decisive has a storied past, participating in a diverse range of operations including rescues, drug interdiction, and disaster response efforts. The 210-foot (64-meter) cutter, designed for a crew of 100, has a range of 6,000 nautical miles. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, tentatively scheduled for May 8, 2026, Decisive will be formally commissioned into the fleet and focus on maritime surveillance, counter-narcotics, anti-smuggling, and search and rescue missions.

  • Decisive departed Baltimore, Maryland, on February 21, 2026.
  • The cutter is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on May 8, 2026.

The players

Decisive

A former U.S. Coast Guard cutter that is being transferred to the Sri Lankan Navy.

Sri Lankan Navy

The naval force of Sri Lanka, which is set to receive the former U.S. Coast Guard cutter Decisive and enhance its maritime capabilities.

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. federal maritime security agency that previously operated the Decisive cutter.

U.S. Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program

A U.S. government program that facilitates the transfer of excess military equipment to allies and partners.

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What’s next

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, the Decisive will be formally commissioned into the Sri Lankan Navy's fleet.

The takeaway

The transfer of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Decisive to Sri Lanka highlights the growing importance of the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program in supporting maritime security partnerships and the trend of leveraging legacy assets to enhance the capabilities of partner nations.