The British Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) HMS Spey has been conducting training in preparation of its Basic Operational Sea Training (BOST).

HMS Spey is the fifth and final next-generation OPV under the class.

The vessels were built under a contract with BAE Systems and are worth a combined £635m.

The 90m-long patrol vessels are fitted with a 30mm cannon and feature a flight deck to accomodate the navy’s Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.

During its preparations for BOST, HMS Spey achieved several milestones.

These include the first landing of Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron on its flight deck and firing of the vessel’s weapons.

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One of the milestones also included a maiden visit to Plymouth.

Spey first commanding officer lieutenant commander Ben Evans said: “Our first few weeks at sea have enabled us to galvanise as a team and fully test our abilities and the capability of this modern and very capable ship.

“I am privileged to be in command of such a fine ship, and a great group of individuals who have achieved nothing but success in our relatively short time together.

“I am thankful to our families and friends who have supported us throughout, and look forward to achieving more firsts in the coming weeks as we look forward to an exciting deployment.”

HMS Spey will also undergo training under Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) in Plymouth.

Upon completion of BOST training, HMS Spey will continue preparations for its deployment later this year.

The 2,000t ship, HMS Spey, was named by sponsor Lady Alison Johnstone during a naming ceremony at Scotstoun in 2019.