Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:26:02-4:26:28

A practical OPV upgrade stops short of frigate armament

A 57 mm gun and a close-in weapon system would improve a River-class OPV without pretending it is a front-line frigate.

Naval GunsOffshore Patrol VesselsRiver Class Offshore Patrol VesselsRoyal NavyShip Modernisation
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Question

How would you improve the armament of a River-class offshore patrol vessel?

Short answer

Fit a 57 mm gun forward and consider Phalanx for close defence, while keeping the ship in its patrol role.

Notes

A focused self-defence upgrade is preferable to loading missiles onto the existing 30 mm mount. A 57 mm gun forward would give the patrol vessel more useful reach and stopping power. Adding Phalanx or a comparable close-in system could improve protection against limited threats. The proposal preserves the OPV's patrol role and does not turn the ship into a substitute for the Type 26 or another proper escort.