Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:13:55-2:21:06

Turning River-class OPVs into modern sloops

A proposed River conversion adds guns, missiles, and ASW equipment, while Danish modular ships offer alternative starting points for a modern sloop.

Absalon Class Support ShipsKnud Rasmussen Class Arctic Patrol ShipsModular Warship DesignOffshore Patrol VesselsRiver Class Offshore Patrol VesselsSea CeptorStanflex
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Question

What changes would turn a River-class OPV into a modern sloop?

Short answer

It needs broader self-defense and ASW capability, but a Danish modular design is a more sensible starting point than a River conversion.

Notes

Turning a River-class OPV into a sloop would require more firepower and a broader range of defensive capabilities. The suggested fit includes a probable 76 mm gun, Phalanx, short-range air defense such as Sea Ceptor, and limited anti-ship and anti-submarine capability. The anti-submarine requirement could be modest: launching the torpedoes carried by the helicopter and allowing a towed array to be fitted when needed. A Knud Rasmussen-based design is preferred as an easier, quicker and cheaper starting point because StanFlex already accommodates interchangeable weapons and sensor modules. Larger Irish patrol ships also illustrate the suggested direction for a modern sloop.