Multi-Role Vessels Will Help Combat Piracy
Israel Shipyards recently announced an order from an unidentified African navy for the delivery of two OPV 45 offshore patrol vessels.
The vessels were designed for a wide range of missions, including protection against the increasing threat of piracy in the region. They will be equipped with day/night observation systems as well as stabilized weapon systems, both Israeli-made, maximizing their mission effectiveness.
The agreement includes ongoing support and training for technical and operational teams, as well as the creation of a maintenance programme based on the company’s Integration Logistic Support (ILS) services.
The OPV 45 is designed for a wide range of naval, para-military and homeland security missions. It enables open sea patrol and surveillance and supports a wide variety of offshore missions such as the facility/EEZ protection, anti-terror/smuggling/illegal activity interdiction, intervention force boarding/landing, close-range naval combat operations and enhanced search and rescue missions. The OPV 45 can also be equipped to minimise illegal immigration transits, fishing protection and control, or anti-pollution activities.
“Since the launch of the OPV 45 vessel at the IMDEX exhibition in Singapore last year, navies around the world have expressed great interest in this new vessel, due to its cost-effectiveness and suitability for a wide range of missions. We believe that this vessel will make a significant contribution to maritime border protection in Africa,” commented Israel Shipyards CEO, Eitan Zucker.
