Protector was built in 2002 by Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy at Uusikaupunki, Finland and named Tavi, originally serving with the Finnish Border Guard.

[7] Following a period of refit, the vessel was renamed Protector and entered service on 17 March 2014 with a commissioning ceremony in London.

[1] The total installed power of 5,000 kW (6,700 hp)[1] gives Protector a top speed of 22 knots (41 km/h).

Both vessels operated alongside the Italian Armed Forces and had a small contingent of Royal Marines aboard.

[8] On 28 August 2019 she was involved in the seizure of approximately 750 kg of 80% purity cocaine off the coast of Pembrokeshire.