Argentine Navy’s final Kership-class patrol vessel hits the water

French shipbuilder Naval Group floated out a new 87-metre offshore patrol vessel (OPV) at its Concarneau facilities on Tuesday, September 21.

The future ARA Contraalmirante Cordero ("Rear Admiral Cordero") is the final one of four Kership-class OPVs that Naval Group will supply to the Argentine Navy.

The Kership-class vessels are modified versions of Naval Group's Gowind-class corvettes. Unlike their Gowind-class sisters, the Kerships lack guided missile armament and possess a lower level of armour protection.

The OPV honours the late Bartolome Leonidas Cordero, a famed 19th century Argentine naval officer.

See all the other news, reviews and features of this month's Maritime Security Week right here.