Royal Navy christens HMS Tamar
The Royal Navy has officially named its fourth Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Tamar.
Designed for counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations, the 90m OPV is equipped with a 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter. The vessel is part of a five-strong OPV fleet being built for the navy under a contract with BAE Systems worth a combined £635 million.
All the Batch 2 OPVs, named HMS Forth, HMS Medway, HMS Trent, HMS Tamar, and HMS Spey, are set to be delivered to the Royal Navy by the end of 2020.
The vessels are constructed in BAE System’s Govan yard, before being moved to its Scotstoun site to be fitted out with their systems ahead of rigorous sea trials.
Stuart Andrew, UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement, said: ‘From patrolling our coastlines and protecting UK waters, to anti-smuggling and counter terrorism operations, these ships are a key part of our Royal Navy fleet. Today’s naming marks an important milestone in HMS Tamar’s programme ahead of starting sea trials and being accepted into operational service next year.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
