Naval Group launches third Argentinian OPV

Naval Group launched ARA Storni on 10 May as the third of four Argentinian OPV 87 vessels.

The delivery is part of the contract between Naval Group and Argentina to provide four multi-mission offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). ARA Bouchard was delivered in December 2019 and ARA Piedrabuena followed in April 2021.

ARA Storni will offer the same assets and characteristics as the ARA Piedrabuena. It is better armed than the ARA Bouchard, more motorised, equipped with an active stabilisation system, bow thruster and is adapted to cold-water navigation, such as around Antarctica.

The Argentinian OPVs benefit from innovations developed by Naval Group and proven by the French Navy.

It features high endurance and seaworthiness, 360˚ visibility from the bridge, a unique mast for a panoramic radar coverage and a ramp system at the bow for rapid deployment of fast crafts or SF.

The ARA Storni is equipped with the Polaris system and NiDL tactical data link.

The vessel can stay in deep-sea environments for more than three weeks. It can reach a speed of 20kt and has a reduced crew size of 40 people.

The vessel has space on board for a helicopter and around 20 additional passengers.

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