Naval News provides a bit more information on VARD’s proposal of a 75 meter OPV using the CUBE system of replaceable modules for the Canadian Navy. The discussion of the OPV begins in the video at time 3:26.
If these are to replace the 12 ship Kingston class, now 24 to 27 years old, this could be a significant program.
We talked about this proposal earlier. Canada apparently intends to deploy these well beyond the Canadian EEZ. The flight deck appears to be small and perhaps capable of operating only UAS. I still think the design generally is a little too tight, that it should be 5 to 15 meters longer and have a flight deck capable of operating a helicopter. I would also like to see a gun larger than 30mm.
Nevertheless, the CUBE system looks promising, possibly permitting an OPV to be quickly converted to meet emerging needs.
There is no indication Canada has accepted this design, but I have seen no information about competing designs.
Containerized minelaying system on a River Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel
It has been said that aircraft carriers are the ultimate modular warships because their primary weapons (aircraft) are interchangeable.
A flight deck on an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) certainly offers a degree of aviation options. General purpose, cargo, ASW, and ASuW helicopters and a range of Unmanned Air Systems, but it appears our allies, the UK and particularly Australia may be looking at other ways to use this large open space.
Royal Navy:
Navy Lookout had a post that talked about restoring a naval mining capability in the Royal Navy. There was no specific reference to using flight decks or to Offshore Patrol Vessels.
The RN does not need dedicated minelaying vessels. The SSNs have a theoretical minelaying capability but XLUUVs are a much lower risk and stealthier solution for covert and sensitive missions. Where stealth is less important, containerised minelaying solutions are being developed that can be secured to the deck and dispense mines over the stern. (emphasis applied–Chuck)
But the photo, above, definitely got my attention. There we see an SH Defence “CUBE” containerized mine laying system developed by RWM Italia S.p,A. (Rheinmetall). on the flight deck of a River Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel (HMS TAMAR).
Australian Navy:
Australia is planning to produce up to 14 flight deck equipped Arafura class OPVs including two intended specifically for Mine Counter Measures (MCM). These ships were always intended to accept containerized mission loads. It appears they are now planning what these ships will do in wartime.
As noted in the Navy Lookout, Australia is planning to buy and produce large numbers of mines. Naval News reports,
“Australia is set to accelerate the procurement of sea mines as part of Project SEA 2000…The decision to rapidly procure the capability, reportedly from a European supplier, will deliver a ‘significant’ deterrent effect according to Defence…it’s understood that the government has budgeted approximately $500 million to 1 billion Australian dollars for the acquisition…the weapons being brought are smart mines, able to disseminate between civilian vessels and a variety of military targets, allowing a strategic anchorage to be denied to hostile forces, all the while preserving access for aligned vessels. (emphasis applied–Chuck)
This all points to large numbers of mines being used in defensive fields. Such minefields will almost certainly be laid by surface vessels. Australia does have some civilian crewed support ships that might be used for mine laying, but as the Arafura class comes online, they will be the most likely surface minelayers.
SURTASS-E is expected to provide long range detection and cuing for tactical weapons, against both diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines. Again, the Arafura class seems a likely host, because the system is intended for military crew manning and, unlike the civilian manned National Support Squadron ships, these ships are armed and have communication systems that include tactical data link.
Now About the Coast Guard:
Using a flight deck for non-aviation purposes is not a foreign idea to the Coast Guard. They do it all the time to provide a holding area for migrants.
USCGC Mohawk’s (WMEC 913) crew patrols the South Florida Straits during Operation Vigilant Sentry, Jan. 5, 2023. Mohawk’s crew patrolled the Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea in support of Homeland Security Task Force—Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry in the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of operations for a 46-day patrol. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by USCGC Legare (WMEC 912)
Naval News reports that the Danes are embarking on a naval program. The details of what kind of ships and how many are not clear but,
Naval News understands that some of the future vessels will be OMT’s MPV-80. These will feature a great deal of modularity via “The Cube” system by local company SH Defence.
The MPV-80 looks a lot like an Offshore Patrol Vessel, but with a difference.
The Danes have a long and apparently successful history of incorporating modularity in their ship designs. They invented the StanFlex system almost 40 years ago. (Not to mention, they have been making LEGOs since 1949.) It appears this design will go much further, “Container capacity: 30 –23 of which are ‘Cube’ ready.” The post explains “The Cube” system by local company SH Defence but more here.
It does appear the four ice-strengthened Thetis class patrol frigates, already over 30 old, are in need of replacement.
Thetis-class ocean patrol vessel belonging to the Royal Danish Navy. Source: konflikty.pl, Author: Łukasz Golowanow
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