[2] The first personnel to serve in the Navy were MPLA militants who received some training in the Soviet Union and starting in 1976, Cuban-trained volunteers were also incorporated.

[4] Despite increasing in size to 2,700 personnel (split in two brigades) with Soviet assistance, the Navy remained a small, neglected branch of the Angolan Armed Forces, with combat ships inferior in capability in comparison to the fast missile boats operated by the South African Navy and unable to respond to South African raids on its coasts.

[5] Despite the presence of the Soviet Navy 30th Operational Squadron in Luanda, including Tu-95RT reconnaissance aircraft, the South African Navy frequently conducted raids against oil facilities, roads, and railways with the UNITA claiming responsibility for these attacks, giving South Africa a veneer of plausible deniability.

While Angola had some minor repair facilities in Luanda and Lobito, maintenance was still dependent on Soviet-trained technicians.

It was reported in 2009 that Angola was hoping to sign a US$800m deal with Germany for 3 new border protection Fast Attack Craft,[12] probably Lurssen PV80's.