Specifically, it is classified as a PAF-IV (Spanish: Patrullera de Apoyo Fluvial - Pesada - 4th generation).

The ship is named in honor of the Marine Infantry Frigate Lieutenant Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera,[1] who died in 2004 after wounds sustained in combat during operations in the Colombian eastern plains.

By 2005, the ARC commissioned COTECMAR for a new design that would include and build upon the experiences gathered with the previous generations of vessels.

[3] Some of the desired capabilities included extended range/endurance, helipad capability for provisioning and SAR/medevac, newer or upgraded offensive and defensive systems and improved support for embarked Marine Infantry units and smaller dependent patrol boats, such as the 22 ft (6.7 m) 'Piraña' and 'Anguila' boats.

The futuristic look of ARC Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera and its angled surfaces is due to the incorporation of modern design techniques in ballistic protection and marine shipbuilding, and has given rise to the occasional comment about it being a "stealth" vessel.