DE&S is bringing five new River Class Batch 2 OPVs into service for the Royal Navy, to be deployed on counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling and maritime defence duties all over the world.

OPVs at a glance

• The five new ships have been named HMS Forth, HMS Medway, HMS Trent, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey. They will all be in service by 2021.
• Designed for a crew of 60, they displace around 2,000 tonnes, have a maximum speed of around 24 knots, and can go 5,500 nautical miles without having to resupply.
• They are equipped with 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter.
• The DE&S Ships Acquisition team has overseen construction of the ships on the Clyde and they will be supported by the DE&S Ships Support team once they are in service.