Satellites can detect activity, but they cannot stop a trawler, board a merchant ship, or keep a law-enforcement team safely supported. Helicopters can deliver people but cannot provide the same persistent presence as a hull on station. OPVs fill that gap across coastal defense, border security, policing, and maritime interdiction. They can also support allies and show the flag without consuming a frigate or destroyer. The River-class example shows the old sloop-like presence role surviving in a modern exclusive-economic-zone patrol ship.
Chapter · 1:52-4:20
OPVs police exclusive economic zones
OPVs patrol exclusive economic zones, enforce fisheries and borders, and provide a low-threat presence at sea.