Royal Navy formally commissions HMS Forth
The Royal Navy has formally commissioned the first of its next-generation OPVs, HMS Forth, the navy announced on 13 April.
HMS Forth is the first of five new OPVs designed for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, fishery protection, border patrol, counter terrorism and maritime defence operations. The vessel is classified as a Batch 2 River-class OPV, and her sisters – Trent, Medway, Tamar and Spey - are a significant upgrade on the original vessels that were designed and built 15 years ago.
HMS Forth will enter service in 2018, while the remaining four ships are all expected to arrive in Portsmouth by 2020.
Built by BAE Systems, HMS Forth is designed for a total crew of around 58, but requires only 34 to go to sea. The new OPVs are faster than their predecessors at 24 knots, have an increased range of 5,500 nautical miles, a 30mm automatic cannon as their main armament, two mini-guns, four machine-guns and are equipped with two Pacific 24 sea boats.
Each ship has an extended flight deck to operate up to Merlin size helicopters. They can accommodate up to 50 embarked Royal Marines for boarding and supporting operations ashore if required.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
