Fundamental design requirements for the European shipbuilders of OPVs are changing. Potential operations can encompass a wide range of environments and missions, from patrolling Arctic regions to protecting underwater resources from economic exploitation in territorial waters as well as in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Traditional war-type tasks have to be taken into account alongside search and rescue, border control and the management of clandestine emigration, while simultaneously securing the safety of navigation. As a result, designs for offshore patrol vessels are moving towards larger units capable of accomplishing a wide range of missions. Flexibility, modularity, and lower lifecycle costs are emerging as fundamental requirements. The desirability of larger, armed platforms that can operate on the high seas, conduct operations with helicopters and unmanned autonomous vehicles, and deploy similar vehicles under and above the surface are becoming increasing design influences. At the other end of the spectrum, the capability of supporting disaster relief operations remains an important capability.
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