Deployment to the Indo-Pacific requires a vessel that is not only reliable but also capable of performing multiple roles and meeting the challenges posed by such operations.
Whether operating in the vast open ocean or complex coastal areas and archipelagos, supporting partners to help overcome maritime security threats, or assisting in disaster relief as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced – the River Class 90m OPV designed by BAE Systems for use Broad and well suited for the task.
The Royal Navy’s deployment highlights how the ship can be used by other nations in the Indo-Pacific to meet their own unique operational needs, and showcases an example of a proven and flexible design that can support the evolving capabilities of their own shipbuilding industries.
Before they arrive, HMS Tamar Innovative operations such as trying to use gravity jet suits for sea boarding missions and operating drones from ships, while HMS Medway Participated in successful anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.
Royal Thai Navy OPV, HTMS Krabi and HTMS BashuWhen two BAE Systems-built OPVs arrive in the region, it will also be in the Indo-Pacific. The Royal Thai Navy OPV was built by Bangkok Terminals under license from BAE Systems OPV Design. This arrangement means Thailand can modify its own ship designs to install combat systems compatible with its wider fleet, use locally sourced materials and reduce in-service support costs over the ship’s more than 30-year lifespan.
Thailand’s OPV program also brings a range of economic benefits, with Thailand’s skilled workforce generating valuable knowledge and expertise and creating value in the supply chain and local economy due to the local construction of the vessels. Building this sovereign shipbuilding capability was a key criterion in the selection of BAE Systems’ OPV design and licensing arrangements.
With neighbouring countries all facing similar challenges, but recognizing that specific requirements may vary, the BAE Systems OPV design has proven that it can provide flexible capabilities to meet different operational needs, and is an asset that supports national shipbuilding agendas and directly contributes to local economies ideal candidate.
The 90m River Class design has also demonstrated its operational flexibility in other regions. In addition to the UK and Thailand, the Brazilian Navy operates three BAE Systems 90m OPVs. Brazil uses the ships both for its initially anticipated needs to patrol and protect the “Blue Amazon” and to support trilateral exercises in West Africa, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. This ability to operate ships to meet a wide variety of operational requirements around the world is extremely valuable to the Navy, which is always under pressure on resources while requiring flexible, adaptable and economical designs to execute and meet defense and security requirements.
“Customer requirements vary, which is why we’ve always wanted OPVs to be reconfigurable in many different directions and offer a wide range of functional options. This could involve anything from enhancing the cockpit, adding weapons kits, or implementing locally developed systems. integration,” explains Ali Ahmad, Director of BAE Systems Thailand and Malaysia.
90m Royal Navy OPVs HMS Tamar and HMS Spee With a top speed of over 24 knots, it is capable of operating a 12-ton helicopter such as the NH 90 with a 30mm main gun, two Pacific 24 RIBs and a crane capable of handling 15-ton ISO containers. With an expected lifespan of 30 years, the flexible base design ensures that future upgrade needs are considered from the outset, which has proven valuable to existing operators, as well as the platform can be easily and cost-effectively supported once in service.
The selection of the OPV for the Royal Navy’s five-year deployment is a testament to the vessel’s versatility, “I’m delighted that we’ll be seeing vessels in the region soon, and I hope we can help show some partner navies that they’ll be operating together, which What is the added value of a ship,” Ali said.
by Andrew Drwiega
