The ARCHER Class P2000 is a class of 16 small patrol boats primarily operated by the Royal Navy and designed for training and inshore patrol tasks. These vessels are closely associated with the University Royal Naval Units (URNUs), which offer naval experiences to university students across England, Wales, and Scotland. Each URNU, led by a Royal Navy Lieutenant, oversees up to 51 students serving as reservists during their three-year university tenure. Training encompasses weekly onshore sessions near universities and practical seamanship exercises aboard ARCHER Class vessels during weekends and holidays.
The P2000 vessels are administratively managed by a centralized headquarters at Portsmouth, which coordinates the First Patrol Boat Squadron and its associated URNUs. Additionally, two vessels—HMS Pursuer and HMS Dasher—form the “Cyprus Squadron,” tasked with patrolling the waters around the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) since 2002.
Design and Role:
- Training Platform: Provides practical training opportunities for officer cadets and URNU students.
- Inshore and Littoral Patrols: Conducts security operations and supports fleet protection tasks in coastal areas.
- Engagement and Outreach: Represents the Royal Navy at events and fosters civilian-military engagement.
Fleet Composition:
The following table outlines the vessels of the ARCHER Class P2000 and their respective bases and commissioning dates:
| Name | Base | Date Commissioned |
|---|---|---|
| HMS Archer | Aberdeen | 1985 |
| HMS Biter | Manchester | 1985 |
| HMS Smiter | Glasgow | 1985 |
| HMS Pursuer | Cyprus | 1985 |
| HMS Blazer | Southampton | 1988 |
| HMS Dasher | Cyprus | 1988 |
| HMS Exploit | Birmingham | 1988 |
| HMS Tracker | Oxford | 1998 |
| HMS Puncher | London | 1988 |
| HMS Charger | Liverpool | 1988 |
| HMS Ranger | Sussex | 1988 |
| HMS Trumpeter | Bristol | 1988 |
| HMS Example | Northumbria | 1985 |
| HMS Explorer | Yorkshire | 1985 |
| HMS Express | Wales | 1988 |
| HMS Raider | Cambridge | 1998 |
