South Africa puts out call for OPV design

The South African Navy (SAN) has confirmed that it will be building new Offshore Patrol Vessels, having requested options from the international defence industry. The programme, known as Project Biro, released a Request for Information in 2011 and is expected to issue a Request for Quotations before the end of 2012. It includes plans to also acquire Inshore Patrol Vessels. Recent reports suggest that the final roll out will consist of eight OPVs and six IPVs, replacing the current three T-Craft IPVs and three remaining strike vessels. In a nod to modernisation efforts, the new OPVs are expected to carry Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Taking the same approach as other BRICs countries undergoing modernisation and expansion at this time, the ships will be built indigenously, ensuring that the South African economy benefits directly from the project and that the ability to upgrade the vessels over the coming 30 to 40 years exists on home soil. According to defenceWeb, Rear Admiral

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