Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase the capability of offshore patrol vessels operated by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are proven platforms supporting Maritime Security, Marine Enforcement and global Defence Engagement. The three Batch 1 River Class OPVs have been successfully patrolling the UK EEZ and North European waters for over 20 years, whilst the five forward deployed Batch 2 River Class OPVs are patrolling the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

The capabilities of both classes are kept under constant review to ensure the ships can safely deliver their tasking.