Peacock-class

Summary

Description

The Peacock class consists of patrol corvettes initially built for the Royal Navy. Launched between 1983 and 1985, these vessels were designed for tropical climates with features like full air-conditioning and typhoon sustainability. Their primary mission while serving with the Royal Navy's 6th Patrol Craft Squadron in Hong Kong involved patrol duties, representation of naval presence, training in Seamanship, Navigation and Gunnery, and Search-and-Rescue operations. Each vessel was equipped to carry two Avon Searider SR5M rigid-hulled inflatable boats and a Royal Marines detachment, complementing their role in combating illegal immigration, narcotics, and contraband electronics.

Upon their decommissioning by the Royal Navy, all five ships were sold – three to the Philippine Navy and two to the Irish Naval Service. The Philippines took possession of HMS Peacock (P239), HMS Plover (P240), and HMS Starling (P241) in 1997 and reclassified them as Emilio Jacinto-class corvettes. These ships received significant upgrades, including new armaments like a 25mm M242 Bushmaster and two 20mm Oerlikon guns, as well as improvements to their radar, navigation, marine engineering, and combat systems.

The Irish Naval Service acquired HMS Swallow (P242) and HMS Swift (P243) in 1988, renaming them LÉ Ciara (P42) and LÉ Orla (P41) after Irish mythological and historical figures. These ships served as replacements for retired minesweepers and signified Ireland's investment in their maritime capabilities. In July 2022, these corvettes were decommissioned and are slated to be replaced with Lake-class inshore patrol vessels from New Zealand in 2023, with plans by the Irish Department of Defense to scrap rather than sell them.

Technical specifications