Colombia to launch new Offshore Patrol Vessel ARC 24 de Julio for missions across both Pacific and Caribbean.

As reported by SA Defensa on July 22, 2025, the Colombian Navy is approaching the launch of the first locally designed and constructed Patrullero Oceánico Colombiano (POC), officially named ARC 24 de Julio. This ship is being built by the Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval, Marítima y Fluvial (Cotecmar), a state-owned shipbuilder under the Ministry of Defense.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The ARC 24 de Julio is the lead ship of a new generation of offshore patrol vessels developed as a successor to the OPV-80 class currently operated by the Colombian Navy. (Picture source: Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo Obregón)

The POC-class, previously designated OPV-93C, is the successor to the OPV-80 class currently in service and reflects a continuation of Colombia’s naval development roadmap. Construction of the ARC 24 de Julio began following the signing of a $36.5 million contract on January 2, 2023. As of July 2025, the vessel is reported to be 89 percent complete, with its launch expected before the end of the year and final delivery planned for early 2026. All stages of the build have been conducted under Lloyd’s Register supervision, with 18 hull blocks completed, using 657 tons of naval steel and 21 tons of welding.

ARC 24 de Julio has an overall length of 93 meters, a beam of 14.2 meters, a depth of seven meters, and a design draft of 4.1 meters. Its displacement is 2,665 tons, and the ship will be classified as an auxiliary naval unit with an unrestricted service area. Its propulsion system includes four CODAD engines rated at 2,200 kW and two CODELOD units rated at 4,800 kW each, supplemented by two 630 kW alternators. Electrical power is provided by four 375 kWe (CDAD) and four 740 kWe (CODELOD) generators, plus one 200 kWe emergency generator. Propulsion is delivered via two controllable pitch propellers and a bow thruster rated above 390 kW. Maximum speed is 20 knots, and endurance reaches up to 40 days at sea. Operational range is up to 10,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. Standard complement is 64 personnel, with additional accommodation for up to 45 or 109 mission-specific personnel, depending on configuration.

The operational profile of the POC (PZE-49) is divided into 45 percent patrolling at 12 km/h, 30 percent at 10 km/h, 15 percent maneuvering at 5 km/h, 6 percent high-speed patrol at 18 km/h, and 2 percent at 20 km/h. The vessel is intended for strategic deterrence, peace operations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, intelligence collection, reconnaissance, environmental control, border patrol, and troop transport. Secondary functions include maritime interdiction, anti-smuggling and drug control, trafficking prevention, anti-piracy and anti-terrorism, migration monitoring, maritime traffic control, and search and rescue. The ship's design supports these roles with a stern ramp for deploying a 14-meter interceptor boat, side launching davits for 7-meter interdiction boats, a helicopter deck and hangar, UAV launch and recovery systems, and space for two 20-foot mission containers. A U-tank stabilizer and a 5-ton SWL deck crane rated for 10 meters complete the support systems.

The combat systems include the Sisdef/Cotecmar Link-Co naval tactical system and the ARC-Daret-Barracuda fire control and combat management suite. Armament consists of one Oto Melara (Leonardo) 76/62 mm Compact Naval Gun Mount with a stealth casemate, one Orbital ATK M242 Bushmaster 25 mm cannon on a remote weapon station (RWS) above the hangar, and two additional RWS units to port and starboard with Browning M2-HQC 12.7 mm machine guns. The ship’s bridge is equipped with mounts for two M-60E4 7.62 mm machine guns. In the aft-lower section, space has been reserved for the optional installation of one or two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, possibly SSM-700K C-Star. Previous Colombian OPVs had different main weapons: the ARC 20 de Julio is armed with a Bofors SAK-40/L70-315, while the ARC 7 de Agosto has an OTO-Melara twin 40 mm Compact Bitubo. The 76/62 mm gun was introduced with ARC Victoria and has since been standardized across the new POC class.

ARC 24 de Julio’s air component is designed to support manned and unmanned platforms. The ship accommodates helicopters of up to 11 tons, including the Bell 412EP and potentially a navalized AW-139. To support this, the flight deck and support systems have been adapted to handle fuel supply (JP5, 44 m³), startup, electrical, and operational requirements. UAV integration includes Boeing Insitu ScanEagle and Night Eagle models, supported by Sky-Wedge catapults and Sky-Hook recovery systems previously tested on ARC Victoria and ARC 7 de Agosto. For surface operations, the ship carries 392 m³ of diesel fuel, 13 m³ of gasoline for interceptor boats, and 67 m³ of fresh water. Boat operations are enabled by a hydraulic winch system for deploying Zodiac MilPro FC-470 boats, and a Safe Defender 380-X may also be used for special missions.

Cotecmar began the Patrullero Oceánico Colombiano (POC)’s design process following operational feedback from the OPV-80 series, which had been constructed under license from German shipbuilder Fassmer. The POC incorporates design improvements such as increased beam and displacement, optimized hull form, and modularity for different mission configurations. Earlier design trials were conducted at HSVA in Hamburg. A structural hangar replaces the previously considered telescopic solution. The superstructure height is under review through a weight reduction program to improve center-of-gravity stability and allow future growth. While propulsion was initially open to multiple diesel-electric configurations, the current CODAD/CO-DELOD combination was selected based on test outcomes. Cotecmar has indicated that the design remains modular and suitable for export under the OPV-93E designation. Marketing efforts have targeted neighboring countries, including Ecuador, which plans to replace its aging Condell-class ships. Cotecmar argues that the POC aligns with Ecuadorian requirements due to shared platform size, automation benefits, low radar signature, and simplified supervision facilitated by regional proximity.

The ARC 24 de Julio is not an isolated program. It is part of a broader naval development strategy under the PES (Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie) program, which includes the BAL-C 6012 logistics vessels and the Damen-Cotecmar Sigma 10514 frigates. The construction of these ships is taking place at Cotecmar's Cartagena facility, with plans to begin the keel laying of the first PES frigate in December 2025. The government has approved the construction of two light frigates and two additional BAL-C vessels, with budgets totaling $435 million for the first PES unit. These vessels are intended to support Colombia’s maritime presence in the Pacific and Caribbean, environmental protection, humanitarian logistics, and regional engagement. The Navy also aims to extend the POC series to five units, supporting its Plan de Desarrollo Naval 2042. The project is designed to reduce dependence on foreign procurement and increase national shipbuilding capacity through domestic production.

Cotecmar reported that it has delivered over 150 vessels since its creation on July 21, 2000, and currently employs more than 1,260 personnel. The company is recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology as a certified center for technological development. Officials, including Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, have stated that Cotecmar’s role is central to expanding national maritime capabilities. Thales, which participated in the Colombiamar 2023 exhibition, confirmed its support for Cotecmar by offering combat management systems, radars, naval communications, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity solutions, including for the PES and POC programs. A Colombian-developed 12.7 mm remote-controlled turret, funded by Indumil and Colciencias with input from the Navy’s Invedes, is being evaluated for operational use on the POC. These programs are also supported by infrastructure investment in shipyards, piers, and outfitting docks necessary for serial production. In addition to technological integration and equipment, the strategic aim is to stimulate the local defense industry and enhance employment and training within the maritime sector.