Mexican offshore patrol vessel with frigate capabilities built through Dutch-Mexican partnership. POLA (Patrulla Oceánica de Largo Alcance) programme procured multiple vessels from Dutch designer Damen with construction in Mexican shipyard ASTIMAR. Features 86-105m length, helicopter deck, 76mm gun, anti-ship missiles, sensors for surveillance. Provides Mexican Navy with capability for exclusive economic zone patrol, counter-narcotics interdiction, sovereignty patrol. Domestic construction provides technology transfer and employment. Represents Mexican naval modernization with European design and domestic production. Critical for maritime security and countering drug trafficking sea routes.
![Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="14" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">DAMEN NAVAL</text></svg>)
- Smart-L EWC AESA for IAMD (BMD capable)
- Mk41 VLS with SM-3 BMD option
- NSM indigenous Norwegian ASM
- Dutch design with Netherlands-Norway cooperation
- Replaces aging De Zeven Provinciën class
- Under construction — not yet operational
- High cost for Netherlands defense budget
- 2028+ first delivery
- Complex multi-nation requirements negotiation
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