Irish Naval Service commissions two inshore patrol vessels

The Irish Naval Service (INS) commissioned two second-handLake-class inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) at a ceremony in Haulbowline, Cork, on 4 September. The IPVs, LÉ (Long Éireannach – Irish ship)Aoibhinn (ex-HMNZS Rotoiti) and LÉ Gobnait (ex-HMNZS Pukaki), were acquired from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) in March 2022 as replacements for the decommissioned Peacock (P 41)-class coastal patrol vessels Orla and Ciara.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairsand Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said, “LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait will play a vital role in safeguarding our nation's security and, given the times we now live in, they will contribute to the national effort of protecting our critical infrastructure. I know these vessels and their crews stand ready to continue the hugely important work of our naval service.”

New capabilities

The Lake-class ships displace 340 tonnes, have an overall length of 55 m, can achieve a top speed of 25 kt, and have a full crew of 26 with three mounting points for 12.7 mm machine guns. They are capable of operating in up to Sea State 5 and can launch and recover rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) in up to Sea State 4.

In a press release accompanying the commissioning ceremony, the Irish Department of Defence said the vessels “introduce new electronic warfare and intelligence gathering capabilities to the fleet, bolstering the naval serviceability to adapt to the ever-changing maritime environment”. Equipment also includes Hensoldt UK's Kelvin Hughes SharpEye navigation radar. It is intended that the two IPVs will be based on the east and southeast coasts of Ireland.