The Armed Forces of Malta launched the new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) P71 at Cantiere Navale Vittoria shipyard in Adria. With a displacement of around 1800 tons, a length of 75m and breadth of 13m, OPV P71 will enter service with the AFM’s Maritime Squadron fleet once commissioned.

Designed and built under the supervision of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the P71 will be armed with a remote-controlled 25 mm gun mount and various caliber light machine guns, while the integrated command, control, and navigation system includes a 2D surveillance radar and satellite communications.
The OPV features a stern flight deck, without a hangar but with the capacity to refuel a 7-metric ton helicopter, such as the Leonardo AW139 in service with the Armed Forces of Malta.
The hybrid propulsion system of the P71 is based on two diesel engines, 5,440kW each, that integrate the same number of electric motors, of non-specified power output, two shafts with variable-pitch propellers and as a whole are able to provide a speed of more than 20 knots.