Netherlands signs OPV contract to replace its M-class frigates

摘要

The Dutch Defence Ministry signed a EUR467 million (USD669 million) contract on 20 December for the construction of four offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to replace four M-class multipurpose frigates, which have been sold due to budget cuts. The prime contractors for the ships will be Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and Thales Naval. The first sea trials are expected in 2010.