An offshore patrol vessel needs endurance, rough-weather seakeeping, a small crew, good all-round observation, and preferably a helicopter landing area. The recommended modern fit combines short-range missiles such as CAMM or ESSM with a main gun probably around 57 mm, and possibly a single Phalanx close-in weapon system. Drones and accessible missiles have spread ranged attack beyond the states that once monopolized it. Waters previously classed as low threat may now expose patrol ships to weapons they were not designed to face. Those threats raise the minimum level of protection expected from an OPV.
Chapter · 43:00-44:59
Low-threat patrol waters no longer stay low threat
Fishery and offshore patrol vessels need seakeeping, visibility, aviation, and stronger self-defence as drones and missiles spread beyond major powers.