Discover the top 5 Royal Navy patrol ships, showcasing the UKs maritime prowess. Learn about the HMS Archer, HMS Tracker, and more, highlighting their advanced capabilities, missions, and roles in safeguarding British interests. Explore the ships armaments, crew, and operational areas, gaining insight into the Royal Navys patrol vessel fleet.
The Royal Navy has a long history of patrolling the world's oceans, protecting British interests and maintaining maritime security. Over the years, the Royal Navy has operated a variety of patrol ships, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. Here are five of the most notable Royal Navy patrol ships:

1. HMS River-Class Patrol Vessels
The River-class patrol vessels are a class of three offshore patrol vessels operated by the Royal Navy. The first of the class, HMS Clyde, was commissioned in 2007, followed by HMS Severn and HMS Mersey. These vessels are designed to patrol the UK's territorial waters, as well as support fishery protection and border security.
Capabilities and Features
- Length: 79.5 meters (261 feet)
- Beam: 13.6 meters (45 feet)
- Draft: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
- Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h)
- Crew: 30 personnel
- Armament: 1 x 30mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
The River-class patrol vessels are equipped with a range of sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication. They also have a helicopter deck and can carry a range of small boats.
2. HMS Tamar (P233)
HMS Tamar is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 2020 and is designed to conduct a range of tasks, including maritime security, fishery protection, and border security.

Capabilities and Features
- Length: 90.5 meters (297 feet)
- Beam: 13.5 meters (44 feet)
- Draft: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
- Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
- Crew: 34 personnel
- Armament: 1 x 30mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
HMS Tamar is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication. She also has a helicopter deck and can carry a range of small boats.
3. HMS Spey (P234)
HMS Spey is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 2021 and is designed to conduct a range of tasks, including maritime security, fishery protection, and border security.

Capabilities and Features
- Length: 90.5 meters (297 feet)
- Beam: 13.5 meters (44 feet)
- Draft: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
- Speed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
- Crew: 34 personnel
- Armament: 1 x 30mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
HMS Spey is equipped with a range of advanced sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication. She also has a helicopter deck and can carry a range of small boats.
4. HMS Tyne (P281)
HMS Tyne is a Batch 1 River-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 2003 and is designed to conduct a range of tasks, including maritime security, fishery protection, and border security.

Capabilities and Features
- Length: 79.5 meters (261 feet)
- Beam: 13.6 meters (45 feet)
- Draft: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
- Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h)
- Crew: 30 personnel
- Armament: 1 x 30mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
HMS Tyne is equipped with a range of sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication. She also has a helicopter deck and can carry a range of small boats.
5. HMS Trent (P224)
HMS Trent is a Batch 1 River-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Navy. She was commissioned in 2003 and is designed to conduct a range of tasks, including maritime security, fishery protection, and border security.

Capabilities and Features
- Length: 79.5 meters (261 feet)
- Beam: 13.6 meters (45 feet)
- Draft: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
- Speed: 20 knots (37 km/h)
- Crew: 30 personnel
- Armament: 1 x 30mm cannon, 2 x 7.62mm machine guns
HMS Trent is equipped with a range of sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication. She also has a helicopter deck and can carry a range of small boats.
Royal Navy Patrol Ships Image Gallery






We hope you enjoyed this article about the top 5 Royal Navy patrol ships. These vessels play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and protecting British interests around the world. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.