BMT to design new patrol boats for Gibraltar Squadron
BMT on 14 September announced a ‘major design milestone’ in the programme to build two new 19m fast patrol boats with a top speed of 40kt for the UK RN’s Gibraltar Squadron.
The two 16m-long patrol craft previously in service with the Gibraltar Squadron, HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre, are being returned to the UK after 17 years in Gibraltar waters.
BMT will design the new boats for Marine Specialised Technology (MST), which was awarded a £9.9 million ($12.6 million) contract by the MoD in July for vessel manufacture and platform support.
The company is also providing a bespoke integrated logistics support package as part of this programme.
Chief executive Sarah Kenny noted that the design project is ‘technically challenging’, but added: ‘This latest contract underscores our agility in producing carefully tailored designs that suit each individual operator’s particular requirements.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Boats
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Canadian Coast Guard’s OOSV delivery is “major milestone” in fleet modernisation
The Polar Class 6 platform is the largest CCG science-dedicated vessel and will operate on the country’s east coast.
-
How the Anduril-HHI autonomous ship plan fits in with the US Navy’s MASC programme
The new modular vessel is expected to be developed for both commercial and defence use, with a heavy focus on production speed and mission flexibility.
-
Indo Pacific 2025: Autonomous systems reigned but can the Australian Defence Force afford it?
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats
Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.
-
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.