Construction of the three vessels will start in early 2020 while their delivery is set to take place by mid-2023. The contract also includes follow on support which will be conducted at the local site of PIRIOU NGOM SENEGAL.
The “OPV 58 S” is a robust and versatile 62 meters patrol vessel dedicated to surveillance, identification and intervention missions. In addition to its projection capabilities (commando RHIB), it has a first-rate deterrent capability through its anti-surface warfare and anti-aircraft weapons systems.
Among the ship’s major innovations and capabilities are:
• a very versatile design to configure the ship depending on the missions
• a large 360 ° panoramic bridge
• a rapid launch and recovery system at the stern for 2 RHIBs
• a C-Sharp hull form providing optimized range and sea-keeping
OPV 58 S main specifications
Length: 62.20 meters
Width: 9.50 meters
Draft: 2.90 meters
Speed: 21 knots
Range / Endurance: 25 days, 4,500 nautical miles @ 12 knots
Hull / Structure: Steel / Aluminum
Accommodations: 48 (24 crew + 24 mission personnel)
Stern ramp for two RHIBs
Based on the images, the OPV 58 S will be fitted with missile systems, a first for both the Senegalese Navy and the Piriou shipyard. The weapons suite of the OPV 58 S appears to consist of:
- A 76mm main gun by Leonardo
- 4x anti-ship missiles placed forward (likely Marte by MBDA)
- 2x 12.7mm manned manchine guns on the bridge wings
- 2x 20mm remote weapon stations (Narwhal by Nexter) at the back of the bridge
- A SIMBAD-RC surface to air system by MBDA (maybe in its SPIMM containerized variant).
Edit: Contacted by Naval News, MBDA confirmed that the missiles systems are SIMBAD-RC (not SPIMM) and Marte MK2/N. Naval Group will supply the combat management system (POLARIS).
