UK MoD invests £20 million for Royal Navy OPVs
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has committed £20 million to its plans to purchase three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Navy, with the signing of a contract with shipbuilder BAE Systems.
The contract will enable BAE Systems to begin work on parts such as the engines and gearboxes ahead of the commencement of the main shipbuilding programme.
The MoD announced in November 2013 that it would purchase the OPVs to add capability to the Royal Navy fleet, while plugging a construction gap at the BAE Systems shipyards on the Clyde in Scotland.
Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, said: ‘This £20 million is a significant milestone, critical to the successful delivery of these three vessels for the Royal Navy. The OPVs will not only provide an additional capability for the UK but also at its peak, the OPV programme will safeguard more than 800 vital skilled roles in the shipbuilding industry.’
The plan is for the OPVs to support counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the waters around the UK and other UK interests abroad. Compared to the current River Class ships, the new OPVs will have more storage and accommodation facilities and a larger flight deck for Merlin helicopters. The first OPV is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet
The Yakutsk, built by Admiralty Shipyards, is intended for service in the far east of the Russian Federation.
-
Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics
There are scheduled to be 51 Virginia-class submarines in the US fleet by the early 2030s.
-
HII launches new San Antonio-class vessel
The Harrisburg (LPD 30) will be the 14th vessel in the San Antonio-class.
-
Clock ticks for the US Navy to present a recovery plan for faulty welds in its vessels
The branch should submit the rework plan to the House of Representatives by 11 October.