Damen POLA Frigate

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.