In December 2019, the Honduran navy will take delivery of an OPV 62M class Offshore Patrol Vessel. Fifteen personnel of the Honduran navy journeyed to Israel in September 2019 to receive the requisite training on the type
Based on the Sa’ar 4.5 missile boat, the OPV 62M class of vessel has found markets in Azerbaijan and Cyprus which procured six and one vessel respectively.
With a displacement of 500 tons and a length of 63m, the OPV – General José Trinidad Cabañas – will be the largest surface combatant available to the Honduran navy.
In addition to an as yet undisclosed armament – purportedly to include at least three guns – the vessel will have a platform for the operation of light helicopters plus be equipped for carriage and deployment of RHIB fast response craft.
The Honduran military has contracted with Israel to overhaul and upgrade its air force as well as its navy. It is also of interest that El Salvador has also contracted for an OPV 62M class ship offering similar capabilities.
Source: Israel Shipyards Ltd.
