Malta takes delivery of new flagship
The 75m OPV will be used for coastal and high seas surveillance and search and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean.
The ship is the largest patrol vessel ever built by the Venetian shipbuilder.
Construction of the OPV, worth over €50 million, was co-funded by Malta and the EU under the 2014-2020 Internal Security Fund (ISF).
Related Articles
EU declines to budge in face of Malta’s migrant concerns
Fincantieri delivers OPV Sheraouh to Qatar
New Maltese flagship arrives in Valletta
The OPV P71 has a full load displacement of over 2,000t and can accommodate a crew of around 50.
The ship has an aft flight deck capable of supporting helicopters such as the AW139 used by Malta.
The P71 is armed with a 25mm remote weapon station and light machine guns of differing calibres.
The C2 system includes a 2D surveillance radar, navigation radar and satellite communications system.
The ship arrived in Valetta in November last year, before the recent delivery and commissioning into service.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Brazil’s Navy launches third Riachuelo attack submarine
The ceremony was attended by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron.
-
Royal Navy to equip vessels for $170.5 million with decoy launcher Ancilia
The protection system would be fitted to a range of Royal Navy surface ships, including Type 26 and 31 frigates, and Type 45 destroyers.