Category Archives: Offshore Patrol Vessel

“U.S. Coast Guard concludes participation in multinational PANAMAX exercise alongside international partners in Panama” –News Release

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U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations conduct a formation sail during PANAMAX 2026
From left to right, U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Robert Ward (WPC 1130), Mexican navy ARM Jalisco, Ecuadorian navy BAE Loja, Colombian navy coastal patrol vessel ARC Isla Gorgona, and the Panamanian National Aeronaval Service Panquiaco (P-301) perform a formation sailing exercise in the Pacific Ocean near Panama, during PANAMAX 2026, Aug. 6, 2026. PANAMAX 2026 scenarios help the defense and public security forces of participating nations improve interoperability, hone their skills during scenarios involving coalition and all-domain operations, forge strong cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to and deter threats to the region and its critical waterways. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Kirk)

Below is a news release. I am not sure which office wrote the release. It may be from the Coast Guard liaison officer in Panama.

I did a post on this exercise based on a Navy League “Seapower” post on August 7.

The new release is the most detailed I have seen on the exercise and the accompanying photos give a good feel the importance of the exercise.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addresses U.S. service members supporting PANAMAX 2026
The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, stands with U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 301 (PSU 301) service members and a commemorative gift presented by the unit during a dinner at Panama City, Panama, Aug. 12, 2026, in support of PANAMAX 2026. The engagement recognized the contributions of PSU 301 personnel and highlighted the importance of service, teamwork and readiness among forces supporting the multinational exercise. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Burgess)

The earlier post discussed why I think Atlantic Area’s AOR should be realigned to include all of the 4th Fleet AOR and that Atlantic Area should be responsible for all Coast Guard drug enforcement operations in the 4th Fleet AOR. Interestingly, while Cmdr. Patrick Frost, deputy chief of enforcement for Coast Guard Southwest District, served as the Pacific Task Force commander for the exercise, was apparently the senior officer from Pacific Area, and USCGC Robert Ward came down from Long Bech CA, the ranking Coast Guard officer was Atlantic Area Deputy Commander, Rear Adm. John Vann. (PSU 301 is out of Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, MA.)

USCGC Sentinel-class Robert Ward (WPC-1130) hosts distinguished guests during PANAMAX 2026. Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Rear Adm. John Vann speaks to members of the USCGC Sentinel-class Robert Ward (WPC-1130) about their role during PANAMAX 2026 in Panama, Aug. 12, 2026. PANAMAX 2026 seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen collective capacity to conduct complex multinational and all-domain operations to ensure free flow of commerce through the Panama Canal and maintain security and stability in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Kirk)

Note, the most heavily armed vessels involved in the exercise were the Mexican Navy’s 282 foot, 1,680 ton Oaxaca class Offshore Patrol Vessel ARM Jalisco (1 x Bofors 57 mm gun; 1 × OTO Melara 30 mm cannon; 2 × OTO Melara remote-controlled M2 12.7mmMG) and the Ecuadorian Navy’s 204 foot, 685 ton Esmeraldas class guided missile corvette BAE Loja (1- Otobreda 76 mm gun; 1 – 40 mm Breda Dardo guns;1 – Surface-to-air-missile – Selenia Aspide (1 × 4); 6 – MM40 Exocet anti-ship missiles; 2 – Mk32 torpedo launchers).

Aug. 25, 2026

U.S. Coast Guard concludes participation in multinational PANAMAX exercise alongside international partners in Panama

PANAMA PACIFICO, Panama — U.S. Coast Guard deployable specialized forces personnel and the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutter Robert Ward (WPC 1130) crew concluded participation in the PANAMAX 2026 exercise in-port and offshore of Panama City from Aug. 3-13.

Panama hosted participants from 18 partner nations, including the United States, for PANAMAX 2026. The exercise provided participating nations an opportunity to conduct combined security and stability operations to enhance their joint-operations capabilities.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel from Port Security Unit (PSU) 301, Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) – West, District Southwest enforcement, and the Robert Ward conducted joint training and simulated exercises with partner nations throughout the exercise.

PSU 301 conducted Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and small boat operations alongside U.S. Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance and partner forces from Panama, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. The unit conducted a full-mission-profile exercise raid of the Amador Cruise Terminal and participated in integrated waterside and shoreside security operations. PSU 301 also employed command-and-control, common operating picture and unmanned aerial systems technologies to provide real-time video and communications in support of joint and combined forces.

MSRT West integrated with U.S. special operations forces and commando units from Panama, Argentina and Peru to prepare for complex maritime security missions. The exercise provided an opportunity to refine multinational tactics and coordination while demonstrating the ability of special operations forces to respond to maritime threats in the region.

Coast Guard Southwest District enforcement staff concluded an expansive eight-month planning process in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard liaison officer in Panama, to lead the Combined Maritime Forces Pacific Task Force through 12 separate exercise events. The Robert Ward and crew conducted these integrated at-sea and in-port exercises with partner nations throughout PANAMAX 2026, including boardings, escorts and search-and-rescue operations. These exercise events culminated in a real-world multinational escort of a commercial cargo vessel as it exited the canal, followed by a complex final exercise. This exercise involved live assets simulating an aggressive action against a security formation, and ultimately concluded with effective turnover to PSU 301 for final boarding. This training tested a coordinated coalition response, strengthening the ability of multinational forces to operate together across a range of maritime security missions.

“The performance of the Combined Maritime Force was exceptional and the regional partnerships strengthened will endure beyond PANAMAX,” said U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Patrick Frost, deputy chief of enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District. “The U.S. completed six full days of integrated exercises; including interdictions, boardings, security escorts, and search-and-rescue. The success of PANAMAX was a result of joint planning efforts dating back months, heavily attributed to the hospitality of Panama’s aeronaval service, and effectively laid groundwork for further collaboration to build off training events and achieve advanced real-world operations.”

Participating nations included Panama, Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, the United Kingdom and the United States. The scope of nations represented in this year’s exercise reflects a collective recognition of the importance of the Panama Canal as a vital maritime waterway, and the ever-increasing collaborative partnership between public security and defense forces in the region.

Panama served as the exercise host, and the United States co-led the four force components. Alongside their U.S. counterparts, Argentina co-led the special operations forces component, Chile co-led the maritime component, Colombia co-led the air component, and Peru co-led the ground component.

This year marks the first time in 14 years that PANAMAX was conducted as a live multinational exercise in Panama as well as a command post exercise, both in Panama and the U.S.

For updated information about PANAMAX 2026, visit the PANAMAX 2026 DVIDS page at www.dvidshub.net/feature/Panamax26.

“HD HHI launches Korea Coast Guard’s new patrol vessel” –Naval Today

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Credit: HD HHI via LinkedIn

Naval Today reports,

South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has launched a new 3,000-ton-class patrol vessel for the Korea Coast Guard…The vessel, named Taepyeongyang 21, was launched at the company’s shipyard in Ulsan. Measuring approximately 117 meters in length and capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 knots, the ship is designed to support a broad spectrum of operations.

The speed is surprisingly high. The full load displacement may be considerably higher since Asian nations tend to minimize the size of their ships. The gun is probably a 40mm.

The South Korean Coast Guard has 36 large offshore patrol vessels (>1,000 tons). That is more large patrol cutters than the US Coast Guard has and their aggregate tonnage is also greater. They also have 42 cutters between 200 and 500 tons. Their aviation force is relatively small and their Coast Guard includes no buoy tenders.

“Portugal approves €24 Million sale of four Tejo-class patrol vessels to Dominican Republic” –Navy News

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A defining feature of the Tejo-class is the StanFlex modular system, which can be exchanged in approximately 48 hours, enabling role conversion between surveillance and pollution control, combat, mine countermeasures, minehunter, and minelayer tasks. (Picture source: Portuguese Navy)

Army Recognition’s Navy News reports,

“On February 17, 2026, Portugal authorized the sale of four Tejo-class coastal patrol vessels to the Dominican Republic Navy for €24 million. The transfer of NRP Tejo, NRP Douro, NRP Mondego, and NRP Guadiana follows approval by the Portuguese Council of Chiefs of Staff and forms part of bilateral defense cooperation. The vessels will strengthen Dominican maritime security and counter drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean.”

These are not new ships having been built in Denmark and commissioned 1992-1996, decommissioned in 2010, sold to Portugal and recommissioned in 2015, but they are very interesting and innovative little ships. In some respects they compare favorably to the Webber class WPCs.

These ships were part of the 14 ship Flyvefisken class that used the Danish modular “Stanflex” system. At one time they were armed with,

I do not think any of the sophisticated weapons were included when they were sold to Portugal, but they will make a major improvement to the Dominican Republic fleet.

USCGC Stratton in the Philippines

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The Legend-class USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) sails with Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) (former USCGC Dallas) and Philippine Coast Guard Vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) as part of a division tactics exercise in the Sulu Sea, May 20, 2025. Stratton is deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. The U.S. Coast Guard has operated in the Indo-Pacific for more than 150 years, and the service is increasing efforts through targeted bilateral patrols with our national security cutters, fast response cutters, and other activities conducted in support of maritime missions to enhance our regional partnerships. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd class William Kirk)

Below the line is a report of Alameda based USCGC Stratton’s visit to the Philippines at the start of a Western Pacific deployment. The report mentions exercising “with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG.”

“Following their departure, Stratton’s crew conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) …The MCA included exercises in maritime domain awareness, division tactics, maneuvering, and visit, board, search and seizure procedures.”

Following the link above we learn,

Participating units included the Legend-class cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from the U.S. Navy, as well as the Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16); Acero-class patrol gunboats BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905); an AW109 naval helicopter; the Philippine Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters; and the Philippine Coast Guard’s Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702).

That is a pretty substantial exercise, US Navy, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force in addition to US and Philippine Coast Guards.

While the Philippine Coast Guard has many of the trappings of a military service, they are not nearly as well armed as their Chinese, US, and Japanese counterparts. Their most powerful weapon seems to be .50 caliber machine guns. If they get into an armed confrontation with the Chinese, they cannot go it alone. Notably this was not a SAR exercise. Perhaps the idea was to practice coordination of support for the Philippine Coast Guard in their interactions with the Chinese, making sure the Philippine CG can communicate with the Philippine Navy and Air Force and with US assets in the area.

Army Recognition’s Naval News also has a report on the exercise which mentioned that Japanese built Philipine WPC BRP Malapascua (MRRV 4403) also participated in the exercise. “Philippine and US Naval Forces Conduct First Joint Maritime Exercise to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Maritime Security”

May 24, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton departs Philippines, commences months-long Indo-Pacific patrol

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and its crew departed Puerto Princesa, Philippines, Monday, after in-port engagements and visits with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, U.S. embassy staff, and PCG District Palawan senior leadership.

Stratton’s visit to Puerto Princesa marked the first international port call of their months-long deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Following their departure, Stratton’s crew conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The MCA included exercises in maritime domain awareness, division tactics, maneuvering, and visit, board, search and seizure procedures.

These engagements demonstrate the U.S. commitment to maritime governance that supports security, freedom and prosperity in the region.

The U.S. Coast Guard serves as a unique instrument of national power, bridging defense, diplomacy and law enforcement to further national objectives and mutual interests with allies and partners like the Philippine Coast Guard.

During the visit, Stratton’s commanding officer, Capt. Brian Krautler, welcomed Amb. Carlson, PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, and senior PCG leaders aboard Stratton, highlighting U.S. Coast Guard interoperability with allies.

“Our alliance with the Philippine Coast Guard has cultivated a close, collaborative maritime partnership—this is Stratton’s second deployment to the Philippines during my two years aboard as commanding officer,” Krautler said. “Our enduring partnership enables combined effects and cooperation across a broad spectrum of engagements and operations. Stratton’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific will further strengthen our relationships with allied coast guards and services throughout the region.”

The U.S. Coast Guard works closely with regional allies to deliver a broad range of capabilities in support of a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific. Multilateral operations like the at-sea MCA and in-port engagements enhance cooperation, improve interoperability and strengthen readiness.

While moored, Krautler and Stratton’s leaders also met with the WESTCOM Commander PCG District Palawan for a pre-sail planning meeting to discuss bilateral search and rescue exercises (SAREX) to enhance cooperation. At-sea operations and exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard will strengthen the ability to execute coordinated maritime operations and enhance overall mission readiness.|

The U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific requires working closely with regional allies, allowing the service to improve its logistics flexibility to better deliver a broad range of capabilities.

During the patrol, Stratton is scheduled to engage with regional partners and participate in joint operations aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security. Throughout its Indo-Pacific deployment, Stratton is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. DESRON 15 regularly assumes tactical control of surface units operating in the area.

Stratton’s port call to the Philippines marks the cutter’s third visit following stops in 2019 and 2023. Consistent U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter deployments to the region demonstrate the U.S. commitment to strong maritime governance that supports security, freedom and prosperity in the Western Pacific.

Commissioned in 2012, Stratton is one of ten Legend-class national security cutters and one of four homeported in Alameda, California. National security cutters are 418 feet long, 54 feet wide and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement with a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles and can hold a crew of up to 170. National security cutters routinely conduct operations throughout the Pacific, where their combination of range, speed and ability to operate in extreme weather provides mission flexibility.

The namesake of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who led the service’s all-female reserve force during World War II. Dorothy Stratton was the first female commissioned officer in the Coast Guard and commanded more than 10,000 personnel. The ship’s motto is “We can’t afford not to.”

“Brazil to start the construction of 11 new NPa500MB offshore patrol vessels” –Navy News

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The planned total cost for the eight NPa500MB OPVs is estimated at 2.8 billion reais (~476 million USD), while three other vessels will be specifically configured for mine countermeasures operations. (Picture source: Emgepron)

Army Recognition’s Navy News reports,

“…February 24, 2025, the Brazilian Navy’s Naval Systems Design Center (CPSN) delivered the basic engineering plan for the 500-ton offshore patrol vessel (NPa500MB) to Emgepron, a state-owned company responsible for naval projects, in late January. This step is part of the Patrol Vessel Acquisition Program (PRONAPA), which involves the domestic construction of 11 offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) with a high percentage of locally sourced components. These vessels are designed for the surveillance and protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), search and rescue operations, and combating illegal activities such as illegal fishing.

Brazil has the tenth largest EEZ in the world at 3,830,955 km sq., about one third that of the US, less than Canada, Japan, or New Zealand, but more than Chile, Kiribati, or Mexico.

Brazil has no Coast Guard. The Brazilian Navy operates 22 vessels they refer to as offshore patrol vessels. Only three are what the USCG would call medium endurance cutters. Four are near 40 year old former Royal Navy 890 ton 14 knot steel hulled minesweepers. 12 are 217 tons full load, 152’7″ (46.5 m), 26.5 knot patrol craft commissioned 1993 to 2009.

The remaining three are 500 ton, 182’5″, 21 knot Macaé class. Two vessels of this class are still building.

Macaé class patrol craft Navio-Patrulha Maracanã (P72) – 2023

If the Brazilian patrol vessel fleet were to provide the same coverage as the US Coast Guard in proportion to the size of their EEZ, they would need 12 large patrol ships (over 1000 tons) and about 20 smaller patrol craft. (They may be supplementing their patrol force with other classes of vessels.)

The new design appears to be an evolutionary outgrowth of the Macaé class since it is only slightly larger and has similar layout and performance: overall length of 58.9 meters (193’3″), a beam of 9.0 meters (29’6″), a maximum draft of 2.5 meters (8’2″), and a displacement of 564 tons

Presumably the Brazilian Navy sees the Macaé class as successful, but the new ships do not appear to be a significant improvement over the Macaé class. As I noted earlier (How Long Should an OPV be? Is There a Minimum?) I believe a length of at least 80 meters is the minimum for a truly fully capable OPV. In addition to better range, endurance, and seakeeping, the additional length allows incorporation of features that appear to be becoming standard on OPVs, including multiple, more capable, 8 to 11 meter RHIBs (perhaps a stern ramp), space for containerized mission modules and unmanned systems, and a flight deck and hangar for at least UASs.

The Macaé class was based on the 400 ton, 55 meter French P400 class patrol vessel. The French came to believe they needed a larger vessel and have begun replacing their P400 class with vessels with the 80 meter POM. Perhaps Brazil should again look to France and base their next OPV on the more capable POM.

“Bulgaria’s Second MMPV Launched by Local Shipyard” –Naval News

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Naval News reports,

The second of two MMPVs (Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels–Chuck) was launched ahead of schedule. According to the contract, it was supposed to take place in April 2025. The two MMPVs are being built under a contract signed November 12, 2020 between the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence and the German shipbuilding group Fr. Lürssen Werft (now NVL – Naval Vessels Lürssen). The vessels will cost about BGN 984 million gross (about EUR 503 million).

These are a significant step up from the earlier Lürssen designed 80-meter Darussalam class built in Germany for the Royal Brunei Navy and the Arafura class building in Australia.

They are to be equipped with two twin launchers for RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles, 8 cells for MBDA VL MICA surface to air missiles, Leonardo OTO Super Rapid 76mm gun, Rheinmetall Millennium 35mm CIWS, and 324mm light weight ASW torpedoes. They will have a SAAB combat management system and a hangar for a Eurocopter AS565MB Panther helicopter, an aircraft that is an evolution of the H-65 design.

Specifications indicate:

  • Displacement: 2,300 tons
  • Length: 90 meters (295′)
  • Beam: 13.5 meters (44.3′)
  • Max Speed: variously reported as 20 to 24 knots
  • Range: 3000 nautical miles at 14 knots.
  • Crew: 70

These ships remind me very much of the new Damen designed Pakistani 2,600 ton, 98 meter OPVs. The layout is much the same:

  • Gun and VLS AAW system forward of the bridge elevated above the main deck
  • Anti-ship cruise missiles behind the bridge
  • Uptakes
  • Hangar with a 35mm CIWS mounted on the roof
  • Flight deck that extends all the way to the stern
  • Reconfigurable space below the flight deck.

Reconfigurable space is becoming common but what really sets these two classes apart from other OPVs is the VLS launchers for small surface to air missiles. On the slightly larger Pakistani ships, which appear more capable, the missile is a bit larger and the gun smaller. The Pakistani ship also has a pair of 30mm guns similar to the Mk38 Mod4.

I think we are going to start seeing this general layout on more OPVs in the future.

Given the need for more than the currently planned 36 large cutters, and the increasingly hostile geopolitical environment, building something like these smaller, cheaper, but more combat capable ships, in greater numbers, rather than the last ten planned OPCs might be worth considering.

I would suggest we could build a cutter with configurable space sufficient to support a towed array, a flight deck, hangar, and magazines sufficient to support an MH-60R, eight Mk41 VLS (sufficient for16 ESSMs and four vertical launch ASROCs) forward of the bridge. Launchers for up to eight Naval Strike Missiles (we don’t need to carry the missiles themselves all the time), SeaRAM, and one or two 30mm Mk38 Mod4s. This should all be possible on a 25 knot ship of less than 3000 tons.

Korean Built Ships for the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard –Naval News

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Naval News has a new post, “HD HHI Pitches Horizon 3 Frigates, Corvettes and White Hulls to Manila” that includes the video above.

HD HHI has delivered two “frigates” to the Philippine Navy and has contracts for six offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and two corvettes. Hyundai apparently hopes to continue this successful collaboration with proposals to meet Philippines requirements for larger and more capable “Horizon 3” frigates and for Philippine Coast Guard cutters.

200820-N-TT059-2393 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2020) Republic of the Philippines Navy ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150) participates in a tactical maneuvering drill with U.S. Coast Guard ship USCGC Munro (WMSL 755) and U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lily Gebauer)

The two Philippine 2,600 ton Jose Rizal class frigates (pictured above) are smaller than the former USCG Hamilton class cutters (3200 tons). The follow-on (3,200 ton) Miguel Malvar class corvettes (or light frigates) will be larger and more capable. The Horizon 3 Frigate will be larger still.

The six Philippine Navy Offshore Patrol Vessels (above) will be 2400 tons full load; 94.4 meters (310′) in length; 14.3 meter (47′) of beam; with a maximum speed of 22knots; and a maximum range of 5,500 nautical miles at 15 knots. It appears they will be armed with a 76mm gun, two 30mm guns, and two Simbad-RC twin-Mistral missile launchers. HHI is proposing cutters based on this design for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Will the Philippine Coast Guard arm its cutters? Currently no Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have any weapons larger than .50 caliber machine guns, but the models of possible future Philippine Coast Guard vessels all carried some type of installed weapons system, apparently 30mm, 40mm, or 76mm. Was this because the PCG intends to field larger weapons or just because that is the way South Korean CG cutters are armed? The twin 35mm Gökdeniz close-in weapon system (CIWS) mounted on the new corvettes and that appears on the model of the proposed Horizon 3 frigate would be very appropriate for the Philippine Coast Guard.

There is an interesting statement at the end of the post,

“HD HHI plans to realize its ‘Pacific-Rim Belt Vision’, establishing regional hubs in countries such as the Philippines, Peru, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States (emphasis applied–Chuck) based on its advanced shipbuilding technologies.”

“French Navy’s New Offshore Patrol Vessels to Feature Anti-Drone Detection System.” –Navy News/Army Recognition

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A model of the future French Navy’s Offshore patrol vessel at Euronaval 2024 in Paris, France. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Click on the photo to enlarge.

Army Recognition’s Navy News reports,

“According to a PR published by Cerbair on November 5, 2024, the French Navy’s new offshore patrol vessels, commissioned by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) in 2023, will soon benefit from enhanced protection against drone threats. The French Navy ordered a fleet of seven vessels that will incorporate CERBAIR’s navalized radio frequency (RF) detection system, ensuring a level of security against increasingly sophisticated drone threats. This strategic move is a culmination of years of collaboration among CERBAIR, the French Navy, and key defense industry partners such as Naval Group, CMN, Piriou, and Socarenam shipyards.”

The USCG is also concerned about drone threats. The post seems to be talking an electronic warfare system. The National Security Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, and 270 foot WMECs all have or will have electronic warfare systems. Their effectiveness (or not) against drones is not clear.

Probably the most effective thing the US Coast Guard could do against drones in the short term is to trade the 25mm guns they have in Mk38 mounts for 30mm guns that have airburst ammunition available. That could provide a capability on the OPCs, the SLEPed WMEC270s, and most importantly the FRCs as the units most likely to encounter this threat.

There are two different 30mm chain guns. Both fire airburst ammunition. The 25mm may be better than the 30mm M230/914 family that use the lower velocity 30x113mm round for countering surface threats, but we know the 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II/XM813 is significantly better than the 25mm against surface targets as well as air targets.

The Army Recognition post included a new photo of a model of the new class of Offshore Patrol Vessels, so thought we might take another look at the program.

These seven ships, which will perform coast guard like missions, were ordered almost exactly a year ago, 17 November 2023 and are expected to be delivered from 2026 to 2030. Three additional ships are expected to be delivered 2031,2032, and 2033.

Artist impression of the Patrouilleur Hauturier OPV underway. Naval Group image.

Wikipedia reports these vessels will be 92 metres (302′) long and will have a fully loaded tonnage of approximately 2,400 tons. They will have a range of 6,000 nautical miles @12 knots with maximum speed of 21 knots. 

“They will be able to accommodate 84 people on board (crew and passengers combined). They will be able to take on board the Navy’s EDO NG and ECUME NG (RHIBs–Chuck). The hangar and the aft deck will be able to accommodate the future Guépard Marine (H160M Cheetah helicopter–Chuck) or a VSR700 type helidrone .

The patrol boats will be equipped with the RapidFire Naval close-quarters weapon system, designed by Nexter and Thales around its 40 CTC telescoping ammunition cannon, equipped with an optronic fire control system, a range of 4,000 m and a rate of fire of 200 rounds/min. They will be equipped with Thales’ Bluewatcher hull sonar as part of their mission to support nuclear deterrence.” (Force Protection for French ballistic missile submarines–Chuck)

I did a post about the gun in 2016.

Late addition. Naval News has a post about this new class. It includes the video below.

“Coast Guard to send 3 more cutters to Guam, has no plans to escort Philippine ships” –Stars and Stripes

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A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew and boarding team from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) approaches a foreign fishing vessel to conduct a joint boarding inspection with members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission on the high seas in Oceania, Sept. 22, 2024. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry’s crew recently completed a 45-day patrol in Oceania in support of Operation Blue Pacific, promoting security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in the region.

Stars and Stripes reports,

The Coast Guard will double its Guam fleet to six cutters but doesn’t plan to accompany the Philippine coast guard as it struggles to maintain territorial claims in the South China Sea, the service’s Pacific-area commander said Friday.

This is based on a video news conference by Pacific Area Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson speaking from Japan.

“The Coast Guard will not escort Philippine resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship garrisoned by Filipino troops at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, according to Tiongson.”

The Philippines has not asked for escorts, Tiongson said. “We do advise, and we do assist,” he said. “We provide what we would do in this situation.”

He also said, “It’s possible we may get another Indo-Pacific support cutter,” using the description applied to USCGC Harriet Lane, recently arrived in the Pacific Area to support operations in the Western Pacific.

There is more in the article.

Russian and Chinese Coast Guards Exercise Together and Form Combined Task Force / The CCG Cutters

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Recently the China Coast Guard and the Russian Coast Guard held joint exercises in the Peter the Great Gulf near Vladivostok. After the exercise, they formed a joint task force. 

Also wanted to identify the China Coast Guard Cutters seen in the video.

They are Zhaoduan class Type 818, derived from the PLAN Type 054A frigates. According to the Office of Naval Intelligence, (lots of information at the link. The China Coast Guard has the largest coast guard fleet in the world) there are at least six of the class. They are almost as large as National Security Cutters (NSC), reportedly 4,000 tons full load, 134 meters (440′) in length, 16 meters (52.5′) of beam, speed 27 knots, range 8,000 miles.

In addition to the 76mm gun, they have a pair of 30mm Gatling guns. It is not clear if they have a fire control system that would make the 30mm guns effective as CIWS, but they could certainly do serious damage to surface targets at close range in a very short time.