| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators |  Royal Canadian Navy |
| Preceded by | Kingston-class coastal defence vessel |
| Built | 2030s (possibly) |
| Planned | up to 12 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Offshore Patrol Vessel |
The Offshore Patrol Vessel project was reported to have been started in August 2023 by Canada's Department of National Defence to develop recommendations for the government of Canada regarding replacement of the Kingston Class coastal defence vessel.
The project is currently in
As part of the OPV Project the RCN’s Naval Force Development establishment is conducting studies to analyse the future operating environment so better understand the key capabilities and technologies that will be needed on its next generation patrol vessel.
However, the OPV Project is still in the very early stages of project management and a timeline for delivery has yet to be established. Although future bids and proposals will follow the usual procurement process after a Request for Proposal (RF) is released, Vard Marine has already made its pitch with its Vigilance OPV design.
According to the DND spokesperson the OPV Project team is reaching out to academic and defence science partners to investigate factors such as the potential impact of climate change for future operations and how future technologies might be leveraged to increase capabilities within the class.
“The team will also examine technologies that can be leveraged to support digitally enabled operations and increase survivability in future threat environments, relying on modern weapon systems, sensors, autonomy, and uncrewed systems,” the spokesperson said.
Other factors that will affect the future design and capabilities of the new OPVs include the ability to participate in joint operations with allies and partners in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, the OPVs must play a role and contribute to maritime domain awareness adding to the network for the Continental Defence of North America.
“Understanding how we can support Continental Defence requirements, will necessarily also include an examination of how to limit any environmental impact on sensitive ecosystems, in addition to other greening defence considerations,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile the MCDVs are completing a life-extension package to provide another five years of operational service, however this likely won’t be enough time to complete the introduction of the new OPVs and further life extension work on the Kingston-class will be necessary to avoid a capability gap.