Naval News provides a bit more information on VARD’s proposal of a 75 meter OPV using the CUBE system of replaceable modules for the Canadian Navy. The discussion of the OPV begins in the video at time 3:26.
If these are to replace the 12 ship Kingston class, now 24 to 27 years old, this could be a significant program.
We talked about this proposal earlier. Canada apparently intends to deploy these well beyond the Canadian EEZ. The flight deck appears to be small and perhaps capable of operating only UAS. I still think the design generally is a little too tight, that it should be 5 to 15 meters longer and have a flight deck capable of operating a helicopter. I would also like to see a gun larger than 30mm.
Nevertheless, the CUBE system looks promising, possibly permitting an OPV to be quickly converted to meet emerging needs.
There is no indication Canada has accepted this design, but I have seen no information about competing designs.
Thanks to Lee for bringing this to my attention.
