Lobito: The Lobinave naval shipyard in Lobito, Benguela Province, has established a line for the assembly, repair, and maintenance of naval equipment for the Angolan Navy (MGA). According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan State is investing in this initiative, which will allow the facility to handle a variety of MGA equipment, including WP18-type interceptor vessels, stealth assault vessels, ultra-high-speed special operations vessels, and other frigates and corvettes. On Monday, Francisco Furtado, the Minister of State and Head of the Military House of the President of the Republic, inaugurated the shipyard where these operations will be conducted. Furtado emphasized the importance of countries developing their defense capabilities in response to global challenges from a geopolitical and geostrategic perspective. He highlighted Angola's extensive coastline, measuring 1,600 kilometers, and its exclusive economic zone of about 200 nautical miles as key factors driving the strategic program devised by the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces. This program aims to equip and modernize the Angolan Navy to effectively defend the nation's coastline. Furtado further noted that the strategy involves establishing conditions for the secure control and protection of the Angolan coast. The ongoing acquisition of equipment and construction of infrastructure form part of this broader process, with the current investment in the Lobito shipyard playing a significant role. The Lobito shipyard employs 139 people and currently operates four vessels. One of these vessels has already been refurbished, with plans for the others to undergo similar processes. Established in the 1970s, the shipyard has a history of constructing and repairing small to medium-sized national and foreign vessels.