There are 6 Island Class Offshore Patrol Vessels:
| Displacement | 1,100 tonnes |
| Length | 59.5m |
| Beam | 10.97m |
| Crew | 37 |
| Armament | 40mm close-range gun |
| Aircraft | None. |
The Island Class vessels were first commissioned in 1978 and their primary purpose is fishery protection and the protection of North-Sea oil and gas platforms. When they operate in their latter role they can accommodate a party of Royal Marines, although not as large a group as the Castle class of vessels they operate alongside with.
The Island class has no flight deck and so cannot operate any aircraft. When the ship needs to rendevous with an aircraft for whatever reason (medevac, supplies etc.) then the helicopter would need to hover above the vessel and use its winch.
In times of conflict the Island class would be used either to guard ports, or to escort either MCM ships or coastal convoys. The only armament they carry (other than personal firearms) is a 40mm close-range gun which would primarily be used against small surface vessels. Realistically no dedicated anti-aircraft capability is required because these vessels mainly operate close to the territorial boundaries (although they are ocean-going capable) and so land-based air cover could be provided when necessary.
The vessels are relatively old now although this does not harm their operational capability as these vessels do not require a high-level of modern naval equipment. That said, it is likely that this class will need to be replaced in the medium-term by a similar class of vessels.
