Are OPVs the solution?

Acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) by African states has attracted significant attention.

Are offshore patrol vessels the solution to Africa’s maritime threats?

Contributor:  James Fahey

The acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) by African states has attracted significant attention. But are such vessels truly the answer to Africa’s issues? A series of questions must be asked to determine their suitability including what threat are they being used to reduce, can they be operated efficiently, are they able to be maintained and are they a cost effective solution?

What threats are coastal African states faced with?

The most obvious ones are piracy and illegal fishing while others include terrorism and conflict with state and non state actors. Illegal fishing is the most pressing concern with the rise in piracy off the Horn of Africa being blamed on illegal fishing in Somalia’s EEZ.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: defenceiq.com