Second OPV for Argentina

The Argentine Navy has taken delivery of the second Offshore Patrol Vessel built by Naval Group. At the same time, the representative of the Argentine Navy, Captain Victor Ortiz, handed over command of the ARA Piedrabuena to Commander Gaston Vega.
In 2018, the two partners signed the contract for the delivery of a total of four of the multi-mission vehicles. In December 2019, the first unit, ARA Bouchardto the Argentinians. However, this was the former Marine Nationale-operated L'Adroit. She was commissioned in 2012, but had only been leased from France for six years. The design is part of the group of small frigates, corvettes and offshore patrol vessels known as Gowind, which was developed by DCNS, now the Naval Group. One of the special features of the OPV 87 class, which has now been handed over, is the large bridge with a 360-degree view and the option of launching speedboats for emergency services via a special ramp at the stern of the ship. The Piedrabuena is equipped with the Polaris Combat Management System and the NiDL tactical data link.
With a length of 87 metres, the ship displaces 1650 tonnes. The maximum speed is 21 knots and the operational radius is 7500 miles. A ten-tonne class helicopter can be accommodated on board. A crew of 39 people is required for operation, and there is also embarkation space for 20 people.
The Piedrabuena is the first of three new ships of the class built for the Argentinian navy and has several modifications. These include better armament and motorisation, an active stabilisation system and a bow thruster for better manoeuvrability in port. Naval has reinforced the hull so that it can also be used in the cold waters of the Antarctic.
According to Naval, the construction programme is currently proceeding according to plan. Accordingly, the next two ships are to be handed over to Argentina six months apart.

Text: mb; Photo: Naval Group