OPV utility will have future relevance
Offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) will be able to play a number of roles in future operations by services like the UK Royal Navy and, together with corvette-sized vessels, offer a faster way to regenerate capability for shrinking fleets.
At present a Royal Navy Batch 1 River-class OPV, HMS Mersey, is deployed to the North Atlantic on counter drug smuggling and defence engagement duties. The vessel recently assisted the Royal Canadian Navy and US Coast Guard in seizing a large shipment of narcotics near Nicaragua.
Meanwhile HMS Clyde, a modified Batch 1 River-class, is forward deployed to the Falkland
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
