November 16,2008: Iraq has paid Italy $105 million to build four 400 ton offshore patrol boats. The first of these been completed and the Iraqi crew is undergoing training in Italy. The Italian patrol boats are based on the Saettia Mk. 4 missile patrol boat. These ships carry a crew of 38 (including a dozen marines for boarding ships). Top speed is about 70 kilometers an hour, and they can stay at sea for about a week. Armament of the Iraqi version consists of a 30mm automatic cannon and two machine-guns. But the most important aspect of all this is whether corrupt officials can be kept under control, so that the new patrol boats will get the fuel and spare parts needed to keep them at sea.