Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 35:41-36:32

Why a Mediterranean OPV may fail around the Falklands

A follow-up identifies why a fast, attractive small Italian patrol design would not meet British South Atlantic requirements.

Falkland IslandsOffshore Patrol VesselsRoyal NavySeakeepingShip Design
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Question

What proposed patrol design would be unsuitable around the Falklands, and why?

Short answer

A small Italian Mediterranean OPV was the example; its hull and operating assumptions did not suit Falklands weather, sea state, or much British coastal service.

Notes

The unnamed Italian offshore-patrol design is described as an excellent boat for Mediterranean conditions. Its small, high-speed form does not provide the same confidence around the Falklands, where weather and sea state impose harsher demands. Tidal and coastal conditions would also limit its usefulness around much of the United Kingdom. A cheaper foreign hull can remain the wrong purchase even when it performs well for its original navy.