UK’s Ministry of Defense has published a tender specifying a firm requirement of 36 intercept and escort vessels with an option for additional 25 units over a 6-year period.
As informed, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Boats Team is to deliver the vessels to a number of users on behalf of Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ). The aim of this project is to replace extant craft variants. This project will align with the existing strategy of reducing the number of variants currently being operated while at the same time upgrading the user’s current capability, according to the MoD.
The required specifications for, as listed in the tender, are:
The estimated value for the acquisition of the firm requirement is £16.25 million, while the estimated value for the acquisition of the option craft is an additional £8.125 million.
This contract, which, once awarded will last four years, will also include an option for supporting the craft when in-service as well as the maintenance of the vessels.