Argentinian Navy gets first new OPV
The first of four OPV 87 offshore patrol vessels has been delivered by Naval Group to the Argentinian Navy.
The vessel has undergone a ten-month upgrade and modernisation programme to prepare it for delivery to Argentina. Modifications have been carried out to the combat system to meet customer requirements, and to the propulsion system and freshwater production capacity. The vessel has also been fitted with a 30mm gun.
The Argentinian Navy’s future crew have received specific navigation training from Naval Group’s team.
Prior to the refit, the vessel was in service as L’Adroit with the French Navy from 2011 to 2018.
Alain Guillou, senior executive vice president, Naval Group, said: 'We are very proud to deliver the first ship to the Argentinian Navy ahead of schedule. This is another demonstration of Naval Group's commitment towards its customers and of its capability to respond to their operational needs.’
The 87m OPV is able to stay on mission for more than three weeks, and can travel at speeds of 20 knots and embark a helicopter. Manned by a reduced crew of forty personnel, it is also able to accommodate about twenty extra passengers.
The three remaining OPVs will be delivered from April 2021 at the pace of one unit every six months.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
