Peru enlarges OPV fleet
Two new OPVs have been commissioned for the Peruvian Coast Guard in a ceremony at the SIMA Chimbote shipyard.
BAP Río Tumbes and BAP Río Locumba join BAP Río Pativilca, BAP Río Cañete, BAP Río Piura and BAP Río Quilca, delivered in 2015-2017 and in service with the Peruvian Coast Guard.
After the two new OPVs are launched and their onboard systems are tested, they will enter service in January 2021.
A Peruvian MoD statement on 26 July added that a total of ten boats will be built under a state investment programme to enhance maritime security and surveillance, anti-smuggling and SAR operations.
Walter Martos, Minister of Defence, said: ‘These boats allow us to have control of our coast, in our Grau Sea, out to approximately between 25 and 50 miles [40-80km].’
Martos added that the SIMA shipyard may in future build ocean-going vessels capable of patrolling out to 200 miles from the Peruvian coast.
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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.