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Montenegro Strengthens Its Navy with Acquisition of Two OPV 60M Patrol Vessels from Kership.
On November 4, 2024, Montenegro took its maritime defense step by signing a contract to acquire two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV 60M) with the French shipyard Kership, based in Concarneau. Valued at €120 million, this agreement forms part of a reinforced bilateral defense cooperation between France and Montenegro, formalized through an intergovernmental agreement signed in Paris on April 3, 2024.
The OPV 60M is designed to deploy special forces via autonomous boats and drones, greatly expanding its operational range and impact (Picture source: Kership)
Kership’s OPV 60M is a high-seas patrol vessel tailored for surveillance and defense missions within coastal and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters. Measuring 60 meters in length, this vessel combines robust construction with high endurance, allowing for optimal maneuverability at sea. It is equipped with the POLARIS mission management system and features a 360° vision bridge, enabling comprehensive mission control. Its combat capabilities include effective anti-surface and anti-air warfare systems, designed to counter asymmetric threats.
Aligned with modern offshore mission requirements, the OPV 60M stands as a strategic and versatile asset in the patrol vessel category. Its advanced features include a sturdy platform, competitive cost, and customizable options, such as anti-ship and anti-air missiles, and a 76/62 mm main gun for high-intensity operations.
These offshore patrol vessels are designed to fulfill a range of State Action at Sea missions, including maritime policing and combating illegal trafficking. Additionally, the OPV 60M is equipped to deploy special forces using autonomous boats and drone systems, significantly extending its operational reach and influence.
The project, already approved by the Montenegrin Parliament, benefits from the support of France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), which oversees the contract’s quality and execution. This support is structured through a technical arrangement between the DGA and Montenegro's Ministry of Defense Logistics Directorate, further strengthening the cooperative ties between the two nations.
During his official visit to France in April, Montenegro’s Defense Minister Dragan Krapović emphasized that this strategic partnership rests on several pillars, with defense as a central component. He highlighted the need to deepen cooperation in the current geopolitical context. This collaboration is reflected in Montenegro’s NATO membership since 2017 and a defense budget allocation representing 2.1% of GDP, with a significant portion dedicated to modernizing military capabilities.