Naval Group launches third Argentinian OPV
The third of the four Offshore Patrol Vessel 87 (OPV 87) ordered to Naval Group by Argentina has been launched at Concarneau shipyard (Brittany). (Photo: Naval Group)
Naval Group launches the third OPV ordered by Argentina, ARA Storni.
Naval Group launched ARA Storni on 10 May as the third of four Argentinian OPV 87 vessels.
The delivery is part of the contract between Naval Group and Argentina to provide four multi-mission offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). ARA Bouchard was delivered in December 2019 and ARA Piedrabuena followed in April 2021.
ARA Storni will offer the same assets and characteristics as the ARA Piedrabuena. It is better armed than the ARA Bouchard, more motorised, equipped with an active stabilisation system, bow thruster and is adapted to cold-water navigation, such as around Antarctica.
The Argentinian OPVs benefit from innovations developed by Naval Group and proven by the French Navy.
It features high endurance and seaworthiness, 360˚ visibility from the bridge, a unique mast for a panoramic radar coverage and a ramp system at the bow for rapid deployment of fast crafts or SF.
The ARA Storni is equipped with the Polaris system and NiDL tactical data link.
The vessel can stay in deep-sea environments for more than three weeks. It can reach a speed of 20kt and has a reduced crew size of 40 people.
The vessel has space on board for a helicopter and around 20 additional passengers.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
