Royal Navy names HMS Spey OPV
The Royal Navy announced the naming of the last of its new River-class offshore patrol vessels (OPV), HMS Spey, during a ceremony held in Glasgow on 3 October.
HMS Spey has been built by BAE Systems built in Glasgow, and is the last of five in its class, the construction of the first of which began in late 2014.
‘Today’s ceremony is a truly significant milestone for the River-class offshore patrol vessel programme and builds on our proud heritage of British shipbuilding here in Glasgow,’ David Shepherd, OPV programme director at BAE Systems, said.
‘There has been fantastic momentum on this programme and the naming of HMS Spey serves as a great reminder of the importance of the capability and skills of our employees who are working together with the Royal Navy and partners to deliver these important ships.’
The vessel will be used to support a range of operations including counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling, and border security.
The first two ships in the class, HMS Forth and HMS Medway, are now in service with the Royal Navy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes
Rolls Royce opens new Scottish office but the MoD foots the bill.
-
First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
-
US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
-
Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
-
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
-
Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.