Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
Ultra Electronics has installed the first S2150 Hull Mount Sonar on a RN Type 23 frigate HMS Portland according to a 6 April statement.
The new sonar will replace the legacy Sonar Type 2050 which has been used on several RN vessels since the 1990s. Currently plans will see the sonar fitted to at least eight Type 23 ships.
Mike Williams, Managing Director of Command & Sonar Systems said: ‘Reaching this significant milestone has been key for Ultra. With a number of significant challenges from the Sonar 2050 system it replaces, the project team has designed and developed a system that simplifies user operability.’
Smaller and lighter versions of the S2150 have also been produced for naval ships weighing between 1,000t and 2,000t.
The upgrade will enhance the RN’s ASuW capability on its frigates and OPVs.
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.