Royal Navy’s third River-class OPV named
The Royal Navy has officially named its third River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Trent, BAE Systems announced on 13 March. The naming ceremony took place at BAE Systems’ site at Govan, Glasgow.
HMS Trent will support the navy in a range of operations including counterterrorism and anti-smuggling to secure the UK’s borders. The 90m vessels will be equipped with a 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of receiving a Merlin helicopter.
Trent is now making final preparations to enter the water for the first time ahead of outfitting and systems installation. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the second half of 2018.
The first OPV, HMS Forth, joined the Royal Navy in January 2018. The second in class, Medway, is currently preparing for sea trials in the first half of this year. The fourth ship, Tamar, is now structurally complete, while the final River-class OPV, Spey, is under construction at BAE Systems’ Govan yard.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine]()
US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine
NAVSEA is exploring AI-assisted design for a larger, stealthier submarine with increased weapons capacity and uncrewed-system integration, with lead-boat procurement envisaged from 2040.
-
![ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign]()
ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign
A six-ship home order, agreements with Saab, Naval Group and Babcock and spare yard capacity underpin the group’s first Euronaval bid for smaller European navies.
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
