As part of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Royal Navy is assessing options to replace its River-class Batch 1 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), which are scheduled to be retired in 2028. Defence Secretary Luke Pollard explained that the Royal Navy “constantly reviews decommissioning dates in order to maximize the operational availability of its platforms,” referring to an ongoing renewal process also linked to the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
This review is part of a broader strategic program aimed at defining the future naval capabilities of the United Kingdom. Within this framework, the Navy seeks to maintain a continuous shipbuilding cycle under the “always on” model, designed to sustain the national maritime industrial base through ongoing production and technological innovation projects. Although no details have yet been released about the successor program, the new OPV design is expected to feature greater endurance and deployment capabilities, aligned with the Royal Navy’s expanding global maritime security responsibilities.
The current River-class Batch 1 vessels were built between 2003 and 2007 by Vosper Thornycroft, with assistance from Three Quays Marine, and have played a vital role in anti-illegal fishing operations, maritime security, and training missions in both UK waters and overseas territories. Measuring 79.5 meters in length and displacing 1,700 tonnes, these ships feature a twin-keel steel hull optimized for excellent seakeeping performance, even in rough waters, and have an endurance of 21 days.
In terms of propulsion, the Batch 1 ships are powered by two Ruston 12 RK 270 diesel engines delivering 4,125 kW, driving controllable-pitch propellers for a maximum speed of 20 knots. The propulsion system is complemented by three 250 kW Caterpillar generators and a 280 kW Veth Motoren VT bow thruster for precise maneuvering. Regarding accommodation, each vessel can house a standard crew of 28 personnel and an embarked detachment of 18 Royal Marines, distributed in modular cabins with private facilities.
The most significant differences compared to the River-class Batch 2 (commissioned between 2017 and 2020) lie in their larger size, range, and operational capacity. The newer OPVs measure 90.5 meters in length, displace 2,000 tonnes, and are equipped with a flight deck capable of operating Merlin helicopters. They can also accommodate up to 45 crew members and 50 embarked Royal Marines, considerably expanding their patrol, surveillance, and force projection capabilities.
The replacement of the River-class Batch 1 will mark a new chapter in the Royal Navy’s patrol fleet. Final decisions on the design and construction of the new OPVs will be announced following the publication of the future Defence Investment Plan, a document that will define the acquisition strategy aimed at keeping the Royal Navy at the forefront of global maritime security operations.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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