Royal Navy names HMS Spey OPV
The Royal Navy announced the naming of the last of its new River-class offshore patrol vessels (OPV), HMS Spey, during a ceremony held in Glasgow on 3 October.
HMS Spey has been built by BAE Systems built in Glasgow, and is the last of five in its class, the construction of the first of which began in late 2014.
‘Today’s ceremony is a truly significant milestone for the River-class offshore patrol vessel programme and builds on our proud heritage of British shipbuilding here in Glasgow,’ David Shepherd, OPV programme director at BAE Systems, said.
‘There has been fantastic momentum on this programme and the naming of HMS Spey serves as a great reminder of the importance of the capability and skills of our employees who are working together with the Royal Navy and partners to deliver these important ships.’
The vessel will be used to support a range of operations including counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling, and border security.
The first two ships in the class, HMS Forth and HMS Medway, are now in service with the Royal Navy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract]()
Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract
Saab announced in 2021 that it had signed an agreement with Swedish defence procurement for the development of plans for a Visby upgrade. One aspect of the upgrade is for the introduction of a surface-to-air missile capability.
-
![Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system]()
Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system
The improvements to the navy fleet are part of a vision to create a single integrated network to enhance transmissions across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) incorporating its naval, air and land forces.
-
![Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future]()
Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future
Faced with persistent recruitment shortfalls, the JMSDF has turned to unmanned surface and underwater systems to maintain operational capability.
-
![First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction]()
First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction
Named the HMS Venturer, this roll out marks a pivotal milestone as it moves from the construction phase to then undergo outfitting and systems integration ahead of sea trials.
-
![Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF]()
Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF
The JMSDF has commissioned the seventh Mogami-class ship as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advances upgraded frigates and supply vessels.
