Royal Navy’s new OPV named
The first new River class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) being built for the UK's Royal Navy has been officially named, it was announced on 9 March.
The 1,800 tonne, 90m vessel was named HMS Forth during a ceremony at BAE Systems' site at Scotstoun in Glasgow.
HMS Forth is the first of a fleet of five new Batch 2 River-class OPVs being built on the Clyde which are all expected to be in service by 2021. The OPVs will be tasked with a range of missions, including counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling and maritime defence duties.
The vessel is now preparing to embark on sea trials and is expected to enter service with the Royal Navy in 2018.
Harriett Baldwin, UK Minister for Defence Procurement, said: 'From counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, to securing the UK's borders on patrols closer to home, the Royal Navy's new OPVs will help protect our interests around the world.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
