Article Warships Global Update Oct2012

SURFACE WARSHIPS GLOBAL PROCUREMENT UPDATE

As global defence ministries give increased importance to small and economical surface combatants such as frigates and corvettes, Defence IQ explores the most recent and notable developments in national warship programmes. Market studies have shown that demand for these types of surface warships has increased due to their low cost, low displacement and multi-tasking capabilities. The advanced weapons and communication systems integrated on these small combatants facilitate the effective performance of multiple tasks such as destruction of enemy combat ships, search and destruction of enemy submarines, anti-air warfare and fire support. As such, many nations are looking to flesh out their fleets, and news on developments is fruitful.

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October 2012

Find out what’s new in: •Russia •Iran •India •China •Canada •UK •Japan •Bangladesh •USA

Surface Warships 2013 30 – 31 January 2013, Madrid, Spain www.SurfaceWarships.com

http://www.surfacewarships.com/

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The Russian Navy has reportedly tested its fourth Kirov-class nuclear-powered battlecruiser Pyotr Veliky in review of its missile defence capability. The warship (formerly the Yuri Andropov) is designed to intercept and counter ballistic missile attacks from air or sea, forming a vital part of the Russian defence shield. Armed with 48 S-300F Fort and 46 S-300FM Fort-M medium-range surface-to-air missiles with a range of 200 kilometres, the onboard radars are capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets at an altitude of 30 km and a range of 300 km. The frigate can carry up to three Kamov Ka-27PL or Ka-25RT helicopters, as well as over 700 personnel, and has a cruising speed of 31k. Following the trials, a source at the defence ministry was quoted as saying: "The missile defence drills in the Arctic are very important because they cover the trajectories of potential strikes by land-based US ballistic missiles.“ Russia plans to reintroduce three previously scrapped Kirov class vessels by 2020.

Meanwhile, work on the $1.2 billion contract for two new Mistral class ships is underway in France. Both of the amphibious assault ships currently in production in France are to be augmented with a full contingent of 30 Ka-52K and Ka-29 helicopters. The intention of the air wing structure is to ensure quick rotation of helicopters in the event of emergency maintenance or combat loss. In addition, the ships are capable of carrying up to 70 armoured vehicles, four amphibious landing vessels

and 450 crew members. Variance in operational tasks will impact the number of helicopters on board at any given time. Introduction of the first Mistral is scheduled for 2015 and will see service in Russia’s Northern and Pacific fleets. Two more of the ships are also due to be built, with an anticipated share of construction weighted 80% in Russia and 20% in France.

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Russia makes progress on cruiser fleet modernisation



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The Iranian Navy is in the process of major naval construction, including development of new light frigates, according to press reports from Tehran. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, chief commander of the Navy, told reporters this month that indigenously built Moudge class vessels are part of the modernisation project. This class of vessel is understood to be based on the original Alvand class light patrol frigates, which had previously built by and in service with the UK Royal Navy as the Vosper Mk V (or Saam) in the 1960s. Of the four original Alvand ships, three remain in service today. Within Iran, the Moudge class is designated as a destroyer. With a displacement of over 1,500 tons, and a length of 94 metres, it is capable of carrying a single medium-sized helicopter (currently a Bell 212/214) and operates 324 mm light torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare at a range of 30km. Surface-surface weapons include the Noor missile, representing the first Chinese export of the C-802, with an operational range of 170km. Earlier this year, the missile saw wargame test launches with new features, including jam-resistant radar and advanced target acquisition. Of the vessels, Jamaran has been in service since 2010, but by current scheduling, the plan is to launch the second Moudge class frigate of its kind, known as Velayat, by March 2013, and will be based at the port town of Bandar Anzali. According to Sayyari, Velayat will offer higher capabilities than its predecessor such as the possible inclusion of enhanced C-803 missiles. The frigate developments mark a major point of interest in Iran’s expansion of its naval presence.

The news follows the annual joint force exercise involving several naval powers, including Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United States, which demonstrated a show of force in the Strait of Hormuz believed to be in efforts to deter Iranian aggression in the region. It is felt that the narrow body of water, through which 35 per cent of the world’s oil trade transitions, is a likely target for Iran to attempt to block off in the event of a dispute.

Defence IQ

Iran building new “destroyers”



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The Indian Navy is finalising handover of its latest frigate, currently being built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. Delivery of the INS Tarkash is scheduled for November 2012, following a three ship construction contract signed in 2006 and recently completed sea trials. The ship is a Talwar class, the fifth of its kind to be built for the Navy and designed for the spectrum of operations from surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. Three original Talwar class vessels, based at Mumbai, have been in service since 2004. The first new Talwar to be built at Yantar, INS Teg, was commissioned in April 2012 by Vice Admiral KN Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. The third was launched last year and is expected to see commission in 2013. At 125 metres and a crew contingent of 190, the ship has a maximum speed of 32 knots and an array of armed systems, of which the Yantar batch will include new Indo-Russian developed BrahMos missile systems.

The Navy used the Teg to test-fire the BrahMos in recent weeks off the coast of Goa. Rather than following a straight path over its 290km range, the missile manoeuvres in an evasive pattern to avoid giving the position of the ship away. Anti-submarine operations are benefitted by the inclusion of an RBU-6000 rocket launcher and twin 533 mm torpedo tubes, with the option of deploying a Ka-28 Helix-A helicopter.

Defence IQ

India prepares to receive new frigate from Russia



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The Chinese Navy recently launched its Type 052D Luyang III class destroyer, a greatly enhanced update of the 052C currently in service, marking a significant development in naval power. The first of at least three new vessels follows the mass production of the 052C, which saw at least six of its kind launched by the beginning of 2011. Some reports suggest that 10 new D variant hulls are under construction. As per the usual secrecy of Chinese military developments, analysts have made several assessments of the vessel based on recent images and prior knowledge of previous destroyers. Included in this are the following findings: New 130 mm main gun; new AESA radar and continued use of the 517M radar, based on aft mast analysis; new type of multi-mission vertical launch system with 64 tubes; likely installation of the HQ-10 (Chinese RAM) surface-to-air missile system; likely installation of 4x C-602 (YJ62) anti-ship missile system; new Phased Array radar panels and buried funnels arranged for reduced signature. The hull and propulsion technology are believed to be the same as the 052C, albeit with slight modifications to host the updated weapon system. This is expected to be upgraded on further generation warships. Overall, the 052D will make for a more effective platform if engaged in anti-surface, anti-air or anti-submarine warfare. The developments come at a time of particularly strained relations between China and Japan over territorial disputes in local waters. The United States has also readjusted strategic focus to the security of the Asia-Pacific.

Defence IQ

China making headway on advanced destroyer fleet



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Canada has welcomed back the HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax class frigate that has been serving in the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea on an eight month counter-terror and anti-smuggling operation. Charlottetown left port at the start of the year to take over the role of HMCS Vancouver in NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour (OAE). Previously, the ship has performed a similar role in the Atlantic and in the Persian Gulf. From April, Charlottetown joined Combined Task Force 150 via the Suez Canal as part of Operation Artemis in further counter-terror efforts. During the tour, the frigate was accompanied by civilian technicians as the mission was also used as the test bed for the Navy’s first expeditionary warship deployed unmanned aerial vehicle. The ScanEagle UAV is designed to loiter for up to 20 hours and is discreet enough to avoid most levels of detection as it feeds video data to the crew and

wider battlespace. It shared flight time with the onboard CH-124 Sea King. Commander Wade Carter, the ship’s Commanding Officer, praised the crew for its work, which included the successful seizure of 600lbs of illicit drugs being unloaded off the coast of Yemen. Last month, Canadian ships took part in IMCMEX 12, the US-led mine countermeasures exercise around the Strait of Hormuz, involving close to 30 nations.

Defence IQ

Canadian frigate returns from counter-terror tour



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The UK Ministry of Defence has published fresh insight into the design of the Royal Navy’s Future Surface Combatant (FCS) programme. Conceived and built by BAE Systems, the Type 26 is readying to form the backbone of the fleet for the years to come, as well as reinvigorate the UK shipbuilding industry. Peter Luff, former minister for defence equipment described the ship as “adaptable and easily upgraded, reacting to threats as they change." The vessel will take the torch from the Type 22 Broadsword class and Type 23 Duke class frigates, of which a total of 30 have been built to date. Several Type 23s remain in service with the Navy, while others have now been scrapped or sold on to the likes of Brazil and Romania. As part of the FCS, the big reveal on the Type 26 signals a milestone in the programme’s development. At 148 metres and with a displacement of 5,400 tonnes, it will have a speed of 28 knots. Weapon systems will include a 127mm medium calibre gun, two Phalanx CIWS and 4x general purpose machine guns. Missile defence includes the Navy’s newly developed anti-air Sea Ceptor missiles due to arrive in 2016. It is also expected to include a launching system armed with Stingray torpedoes. The hangar will host either the Wildcat or Merlin helicopter, accompanied by a contingent of amphibious vehicles or UAVs. The ultimate aim of the frigate is to ensure readiness and responsiveness across the full spectrum of future naval warfare requirements, offering a multi-

mission solution for joint and multinational operations. This would involve anything from anti-submarine operations (set to be added to 8 of the vessels) to anti-piracy support in the littorals. 13 units are scheduled for service beyond 2020, budget pending. Early estimates suggested £400 million per unit, but this is open to changing dramatically. By the mid-2030s, approximately 50 per cent of active Royal Navy personnel will be operating on either a Type 26 frigate, or the later Type 27 FSC variant.

Defence IQ

Future UK warship continues to meet milestones



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Despite rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial disputes and announcements of new early warning radars and missile defence systems emerging from several nations, Japan has seen eye-to-eye with Russia on the need for joint patrol efforts in to combat maritime piracy. Two Japanese warships, the frigate JDS Oyodo and destroyer JDS Ariake, conducted the drill with the Udaloy class anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Panteleyev from the port at Vladivostok. During a previous tour in Somalia, the Russian vessel successfully outmanoeuvred and detained 29 pirates who opened fire on a merchant ship. The two powers have their share of disagreement when it comes to ownership rights of the island chain known as the Kurils/Northern Territories, which stretches north across the Pacific Ocean from Hokkaido to the southern tip of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The dispute has overshadowed many political talks over the past 60 years. Some analysts see the threat of naval piracy and smuggling as the catalyst to further talks and cooperation amongst competitive countries. Aside to exercises involving marauder-based tactics, the recent Russo-Japanese session also included fire-preventative emergency drills and search and rescue manoeuvres. The Abukuma class destroyer escort Oyodo is one of six of its kind, with a maximum speed of 27 knots and a crew complement of 120. Weapon systems include an Otobreda 76 mm gun and a Phalanx 20 mm CIWS. Ariake is the most recent Murasame class destroyer of the fleet, commissioned in 2002. It operates with an SH-60(J)K helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare, as well as Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-

air missiles and RUM-139 VL ASROC. Murasame is gradually being replaced by the more advanced Takanami class , offering better fire control systems and upgraded missiles .

Defence IQ

Japanese warships join Russian anti-piracy drill



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This month saw history in the making for the Bangladesh Navy as it launched its first indigenously built warship. The Khulna Shipyard worked directly with input from the China Shipbuilding Offshore Co., which initiated designs and materials needed to take the force to the next step in its ongoing expansion plan. The vessel is a Khulna class armed offshore patrol vessel is believed to have a displacement of around 300 tonnes and carries 2x 37mm and 2x 20mm guns. The development marks a significant point in the government’s grand plan to build a powerful naval force within the next 10 years. Not only is the drive seeing new vessels joining the fleet, but existing assets are also being upgraded to suit emerging requirements and better coordinate with allied navies. The Navy has also placed an order with China's Wuchang Shipyard for the development of two “sophisticated warships”, scheduled for delivery in 2013.

The second Large Patrol Craft (LPC) was launched in China last month, just weeks after the inaugural LPC entered the water. At 64.2 metres and 648 tonnes, and featuring surface-to-surface and anti-submarine capabilities, the vessels are the first of the Navy to also exhibit stealth technology. Reports indicate that the Navy’s plans include the purchase of construction of corvette and frigates in near future. It is understood that the country will be further exploring its offshore resource capacity, enhancing its commercial development but also demanding that its national security improves in kind.

Defence IQ

Bangladesh serves up first homemade surface combatant



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The United States has heralded the commission of its second of six new Freedom class littoral combat ships (LCS) for the Navy. The USS Fort Worth signals fast progress in the development of the new Freedom fleet – being built alongside six other Independence class variants – as the programme continues to gather steam in efforts to defeat anti-access and asymmetric threats. Amid the continued construction schedule, Lockheed Martin and shipbuilding firm Marinette Marine Corp. have indicated the LCS-5 is about halfway complete, with changes and augmentation being made to the blueprints as earlier versions provide real time lessons on which to improve. As a result of this learn-as-we-build approach, Fort Worth is faster than its predecessor thanks to a greater fuel capacity and longer hull. Further improvements will see the rest of the fleet benefit from electric start systems on the engines rather than hydraulic systems. Such improvements will be welcomed by financial decision-makers who are under pressure to prove the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the programme following internal disagreements over the ship’s capabilities and budget overruns.

One benefit to the construction process is in the forward-thinking modular design, enabling individual sections to be manufactured, scrutinised and reworked before being welded into the final fighting unit. With the US military pivoting strategy towards the Pacific, the LCS could assist efforts in combat areas but may rely on support from more heavily armed frigates. The LCS surface warfare mission module includes 2x 30mm guns and a long range missile system to come into service in 2017 following a competitive contract, while the most recent Navy budget request has included an “irregular warfare package”. With construction underway, many other nations have expressed interest in procuring the US combat ships to counter emerging threats to the maritime domain, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

Defence IQ

Second US Littoral Combat Ship commissioned



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Welcome to Surface Warships 2013 Exploring the future of global surface combatants, Surface Warships will provide the ideal environment for industry and naval professionals to discuss innovative future designs and the need to keep current vessels battle ready through capability upgrades and refits. Attend Surface Warships 2013 to:

• Explore the developing requirements of current combatant programmes globally in order to help identify potential improvements in your own programmes

• Examine the need for future combatants to be able to operate in shallow waters

and in an asymmetric environment given the likely regions where future conflicts will take place

• Discuss the advances in technology that could help to decrease the number of

crew required to operate a surface combatant: Will there ever be a totally unmanned vessel?

• Debate the lessons gleaned from recent operations and how this is likely to

shape future procurements. Can you base future decisions on past experience given the change in operating environment?

Conference Dates: 30 – 31 January 2013 Madrid, Spain

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Article Warships Global Update Oct2012