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.

“We are bringing these highly capable ships into service through the excellent working relationships we have with our partners in industry. The team has been proud to see these ships roll out of the fabrication shed and undergo fit-out on the Clyde.”