The Batch 2 River class offshore patrol vessel: How the R2s change things

摘要

Though notionally procured to replace four original Batch 1 River class patrol vessels, the UK Royal Navy's five new-generation Batch 2 River class offshore patrol vessels have a complicated back story. They seem likely to undertake a much wider range of duties, deploying globally to conduct anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and counter-terrorism missions. Tasks that have often been undertaken by frigates and destroyers.There is some recognition that with just six Type 45 (Daring class) destroyers and 13 Type 23 (Duke class) frigates, the RN is already short of capable warships. The 1998 Strategic Defenced Review (SDR) had an ambitious target of 32 full-size frigates and destroyers, and the then First Sea Lord advised in 2010 and 2015 that the minimum number required by the RN was 23 such vessels. Under existing plans, though, the Type 23 will be replaced by just eight Type 26 frigates, perhaps augmented by five lighter and more affordable Type 31s.Against this background, the new Batch 2 River class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), (colloquially and collectively known as 'R2s', could usefully replace destroyers and frigates for some 'low-end' tasks, freeing up some Type 45 and Type 23 (and later Type 26) capacity. Supporters believe that the Batch 2 ships could operate like the French Navy's various fleets of corvettes, providing a naval presence where required, and preforming surveillance, assistance and deterrence missions.