French shipbuilder Kership has been contracted to supply two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to the Montenegrin Navy.
Signed at a defense trade convention in Paris, the project covers the Concarneau-based company’s OPV 60M vessel, which is commonly used for maritime law enforcement and armed deployments with high-endurance requirements.
The OPV 60M measures 62 meters (203 feet) long and employs twin stern ramps to receive two rigid hull inflatable boats in between fast-paced operations at sea.
It is equipped with a 360-degree view bridge, anti-surface and anti-air warfare combat system, and a patented hull design supporting improved autonomy and seakeeping missions.
Supporting Defense Partnership
The deal follows an agreement signed between Montenegro and France last April to enhance the Western Balkan government’s military capabilities and ties to NATO, considering that the country joined the alliance in 2017.
“State support associated with the Kership commercial contract is provided by the DGA for the benefit of the [Montenegrin Ministry of Defence],” the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) stated.
“The technical arrangement is part of the framework and implementation of the intergovernmental agreement for cooperation in the field of defence.”
French OPVs in Senegal
According to Kership’s product portal, the OPV 60 line is currently employed under the Senegal Navy, which previously ordered a similar 58 S-class OPV from Kership’s parent company Piriou.
The ship has the same dimensions as the OPV 60 and includes the capacity for small boats.
It can travel at a maximum speed of 39 kilometers (24 miles) per hour and can accommodate more than 40 people.
The vessel is armed with anti-ship and anti-air missiles, a naval gun, a machine gun, and remote weapon stations.
Senegal received its third and final OPV 58 S in April.