Colombia’s river vessels very sophisticated

Colombia has now begun to produce OPVs and CPVs to a German design and has created a fleet of River Patrol Vessels (PAF) that has progressively grown in quality and sophistication.

In particular, their PAF IV design is worthy of study as it could — depending on whether modifications could be made to the hull strength — be an ideal support vessel for the fleet of interceptors, allowing them to operate away from base for a long time. Indeed, the PAF IV is used in that way.

Their new OPV (Fassmer OPV-80 design) the 20 de Julio is an impressive vessel but I will suggest that careful consideration be given to the capacity of the COTECMAR shipyards to deliver in a timely fashion and if contracts are placed, to negotiate accordingly.

The Colombians are also using an excellent Coastal Patrol Vessel 11 de Novembre also of the Fassmer design (40m) which is an ideal solution to bolster the FPC fleet and to supplant and replace the unserviceable CPVs. In all, it is a masterstroke to turn to Colombia. There are two important caveats:

(a) Colombia is not a weapons system integrator — in other words whatever weapons fit we decide on must match our ability to ensure easy integration.

The Colombian CPVs use a stabilised 25mm Typhoon mounting which is vastly more sophisticated than any systems currently operated by the TTCG.

The Colombian OPVs might be fitted with an advanced mounting for a L70 40mm gun. Both designs use opto-electronic fire-control systems.

During the OPV fiasco, I learnt that the TTCG does not have the relevant expertise to make informed decisions on sophisticated combat systems and it was our failure to understand and appreciate the same that led to bad negotiations, poor weapons choices and ultimately the selection of an unproven fire-control system.

(b) The officer shortage and the uneven quality of manpower in the Coast Guard could put some pressure on the service in absorbing new vessels.

I am advised that we lacked sufficient crews to man three OPVs and that the Coast Guard tried to undertake an emergency recruiting effort to solve the problem.

However, the problem still exists and in some informal discussions I had last Friday, they are very concerned about manpower availability.

This should not deter you from thoroughly exploring ship acquisition from Colombia. Far from it. Rather it is imperative that certain issues be borne in mind to ensure that any acquisitions are smooth and without the difficulties that plagued the OPV programme. I would urge a broad based team to evaluate any proposals with civilian and military personnel.

Charles Figaro

Arouca