Mexican Navy launches final Oaxaca-class OPV named Arm Tabasco P-168.

The Mexican Navy Yard ASTIMAR 1 in Tampico has launched the final of eight Oaxaca-class patrol ships. The Oaxaca class are offshore patrol vessels, designed and manufactured by and for the Mexican Navy.

The Oaxaca-class OPV, named Tabasco P-168, final of eight ships constructed by and for the Mexican Navy (Picture source: wwww.mexicoaeroespacial.com.)

The Oaxaca class is actually named after the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The Mexican Navy noted that in comparison with its predecessors, Tabasco features many technical improvements to its stability and seakeeping performance.

The missions for the Oaxaca class are oceanic surveillance, search and rescue operations, support for the civilian population in case of disasters, maritime support and to act as a deterrence against hostile ships and aircraft in low-medium intensity conflicts.

Measuring 86.00 meters in length, the 10.5-meter-wide vessel displaces 1,680 tonnes and can reach a speed of over 20 knots, (37 km/h; 23 mph), as well as a cruising speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph). In addition, it features a helicopter and two 11 meter fast interceptor boats.

Primary armament is a single OTO Melara 76-millimetre (3 in) naval gun or Bofors 57 mm gun. It also mounts a pair of OTO Melara remote-controlled naval turret Mod. 517 with M2 12.7 mm (0.50 in) machine guns, one on each side. The Oaxaca class also carries a CB-90 HMN Patrol Interceptor in its well deck.

At the rear atop the helicopter hangar is a single OTO Melara 30 mm (1.2 in) cannon. The class has a helipad on the afterdeck with handling capabilities for a variety of helicopters, such as the Panther, Fennec, or the Bolkow B-105 Super-5. 

The ship has provisions to carry a group of 39 special forces and/or marines for a variety of missions, such as search and rescue, interception and monitoring missions in Mexican exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters.