US plans Latin American patrol vessel
The US Navy has released details of a 75-85ft (23-26m) 'mothership' which officials hope will bolster the maritime security capabilities of partner nations in and around the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
The Near Coastal Patrol Vessel (NCPV) will be offered to allies under the Foreign Military Sales programme and serve primarily as a logistic support platform for smaller craft engaged in littoral patrol tasks, according to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
The NCPV is intended to replace the Point-class patrol boats (pictured above) that were built for the US Coast Guard in the 1960s, transfered to countries in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
-
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.