Rigid inflatable boat (RIB) manufacturer Ribcraft has entered into a contractual joint venture and licensing agreement with DM8 Composites to establish a sovereign RIB manufacturing capability in the Philippines.
Under the agreement, Ribcraft will grant DM8 exclusive rights to manufacture Ribcraft RIB platforms within the Philippines.
DM8 will undertake full vessel production, including hull fabrication, assembly, outfitting, testing, and certification compliance, supported by its facility in Cebu province and established sustainment infrastructure.
Ribcraft said this model will enable complete in-country capability delivery, ensuring that platforms can be produced, supported, and sustained locally, reducing reliance on external supply chains while improving responsiveness to operational demand.
The partnership will deliver mission-specific RIB platforms designed for real-world maritime security and public safety operations across the Philippine archipelagic environment.
Missions for the RIBs will include maritime domain awareness and coastal security; interdiction and high-speed pursuit; boarding operations and force protection; search and rescue and disaster response; and patrol operations and agency fleet standardisation.
Ribcraft said the RIB platforms can also be used for the development of autonomous and uncrewed systems.
To accelerate engagement, Ribcraft demonstrator boats are already available in-country through DM8, enabling Philippine agencies to conduct evaluation, mission fit assessment and operational trials without extended lead times.
