New-Generation Patrol Vessel to replace Irish Navy OPVs

Sea Power, Oct 2003

Between 2007 and 2025, the Irish Navy will replace its entire force of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and patrol boats. The first program, now underway, is the New-Generation Patrol Vessel (NPV), for which studies began in the past 12 months. The NPV is expected to replace the three P21 class OPVs from 2007 through 2009.

By 2008, planning will begin for one large OPV and two smaller patrol boats to replace the large helicopter-capable Eithne-class OPV and the two Peacock-class patrol boats. All three of these units are expected to enter service in 2013 and 2014. The two Roisin-class OPVs commissioned in 1999 and 2001 will not be replaced until about 2025, with planning beginning about five years before that.

All of these vessels may be built at United Kingdom shipyards. International business opportunities for Ireland's future navy will lie primarily in medium- and small-caliber guns, surface and navigational radars, optronic directors, and diesel engines for the new vessels.