Final landmarks in sight for UK’s River-class OPV programme
The arrival in Portsmouth later this month of the UK’s fifth and final Batch 2 River-class OPV will be one of the final landmarks of a programme that has delivered no shortage of controversy, but also provided the RN with a quintet of capable platforms that look well-placed to contribute to the country’s maritime security operations.
Currently undergoing trials in UK waters, HMS Spey will begin to transition from the Blue Ensign to the white of the RN in Portsmouth as the ship’s crew take over from BAE Systems. The vessel will sail under the White Ensign to work up
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
-
![UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration]()
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
