PARIS, July 11 (UPI) -- The third of six fast patrol boats built by a consortium led by DCNS of France has been delivered to the Norwegian navy.
Skjold FPBs, a new class of vessels, are designed specifically for maritime security and safety missions in Norway's littoral waters. The combat system is tailored to demanding environments and reduced crewing.
The state-of-the-art communications and sensor suites are fully compatible with active participation in international and NATO-led operations.
Skjold-class FPBs are armed with eight anti-ship missiles and a 76mm gun that can engage several targets at once at ranges exceeding 7.5 miles.
The P963-Steil was delivered late last month following final main gun firing tests off Bergen and sea trials in Stavanger.
First-of-class P961-Storm was handed by DCNS to the Norwegians last year, as was the second boat.
The success of the Skjold program is the result of a long-term partnership between DCNS and its Norwegian partners. From 1997-2004, DCNS demonstrated its expertise in combat system design and development as prime contractor for the modernization of 14 Hauk-class FPBs for the Norwegian navy.
