Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[Sparkplug]

Mitsui E&S launches first 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigate for JMSDF

19 NOVEMBER 2020

by Kosuke Takahashi

Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding has launched the first of a planned fleet of 22 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigates for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

Named Kumano, the 132.5 m-long vessel (with pennant number 2) entered the water in a ceremony held on 19 November at the company's facility in Tamano, southern Okayama Prefecture, and is expected to enter JMSDF service in March 2022.

Kumano is actually the second vessel of the class ordered by service. The first one – the name of which has yet to be disclosed – was originally scheduled to also be launched in November but construction of the ship at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' facility in Nagasaki City has been delayed due to issues with the frigate's gas turbine engine. The JMSDF still regards Kumano as the second of this class, although it is the first to be launched.

According to the JMSDF, Kumano will have a crew complement of about 90, a standard displacement of 3,900 tonnes, a beam of 16.3 m, and a draught of 9 m.

A JMSDF spokesperson told Janes the new frigate class will require fewer crewmembers and that, compared with other frigate classes, construction costs will be lower due to its compact size.

Powered by a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system featuring two MAN 12V28/33D STC diesel engines and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, the ships are expected to be capable of attaining a top speed of at least 30 kt.

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On 19 November Japan's Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding launched Kumano , the first of a planned fleet of 22 3,900 tonne-class multirole frigates for the JMSDF. (Mitsui E&S)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/mitsui-es-launches-first-3900-tonne-class-multirole-frigate-for-jmsdf

[Harald]

Japan is considering to export warships to Indonesia

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/november/9271-japan-is-considering-to-export-warships-to-indonesia.html

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

De meest recente (niet officiele) impressie van de Italiaanse DDX als vervanger voor de Andrea Doria klasse ook wel bekend onder de Horizon klasse. De grote broers van onze LCF's, dat beloofd nog iets voor het vLCF als ook wij deze groei curve volgen. 

De impressie ziet er interessant uit.

Voor wat betreft vLCF en het, dit jaar nog, te verwachten MOU tussen Nederland en Duitsland verwacht ik een schip op basis van een MKS-180 hull waarbij het ook voor de hand ligt dat het geen identieke schepen zullen worden.

[Parera]

De meest recente (niet officiele) impressie van de Italiaanse DDX als opvolger voor de Andrea Doria klasse ook wel bekend onder de Horizon klasse. De grote broers van onze LCF's, dat beloofd nog iets voor het vLCF als ook wij deze groei curve volgen.  De schepen moeten de 2 oudere Durand de la Penne klasse vervangen.





Volgens de berichten willen de Italianen in 2023 het contract ondertekenen als de financien het toelaten, dan moet het eerste schip in 2028 geleverd worden naar de marine. De schepen waar nu over gesproken word zijn ruim 175 x 24 m!

In de berichten spreekt men van 48 cells VLS waarvan 16 cells voor de brug en de rest midscheeps, maar de tekeningen laten een 64 cells Schip zien wat ook makkelijk moet passen. Ik ga er vanuit dat de 48 cellen het uitgangspunt is en de overige 16 uitgevoerd worden in FFBNW. Daarnaast krijgen de schepen 16 Teseo Mk2 Evolved anti-ship missiles direcht achter de brug, deze kunnen ook landdoelen aanvallen aan de kustlijn. Voor de raketten in de VLS word gesproken over ASTER's (SAM) maar ook land strike raketten (mogelijk de SCALP van MBDA). De kanons gaan naar verwachting 1x 127 mm + 3x 76 mm Sovraponte & 2x 25 mm zijn.

De opvallende radar op de hangaar is dezelfde die ze plaatsen op de LHD Trieste uit de Kronos familie radars en beschikt over early warning capaciteit en zal net als onze SMART-L inzetbaar zijn voor BMD. Het blijven in de basis AAW destroyers met BMD capaciteit.

Verder bied de hangaar ruimte aan 2 AW-101 of NH-90 helikopters, ook krijgt het schip een fatsoenlijke ASW suite met een gesleepte sonar, boegsonar, torpedobuizen en decoys.

Het prijskaartje word geschat op 4,5 miljard euro voor beide schepen. Ik heb ook wel ergens gelezen dat de Italianen overwegen om er een serie van 4 van te maken op een later moment zodat zowelde Durand de la Penne als Andrea Doria klasses vervangen worden door 1 klasse DDG's.

[Harald]

Royal Canadian Navy Unveils New Details On CSC Frigates   ( ...  ... waaauuw, sprakeloos... )

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) released the latest details on the configuration of its next generation frigates: the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC). They will be heavily armed, featuring Naval Strike Missiles, Tomahawk and both ESSM and Sea Ceptor!

The RCN last week unveiled a PDF document shedding light on the latest configuration retained for its next gen class of frigate: the CSC. Naval News contacted various sources familiar with the program to confirm the selection of a number of systems listed in the document.

What stands out in this new document is fact that the CSC will be fitted with a wide range of weapons, both offensive and defense, in a mix never seen before in any surface combatant.

.../.....

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/royal-canadian-navy-unveils-new-details-on-csc-frigates/

[Harald]

First Sa'ar 6-class Corvette Expected in Israel for December    ( mooie schepen ! en zware bewapening ! )

The Israeli Navy first Sa'ar 6-class corvette, INS Magen, will arrive in Israel in December, the country's MoD said on . Within the coming year, three more Sa'ar 6 ships will be transferred to Israel from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) Kiel shipyard, Germany.

..../....

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/first-saar-6-class-corvette-expected-in-israel-for-december/

[Sparkplug]

Progress report – extending the life of Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates

https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/progress-report-extending-the-life-of-royal-navys-type-23-frigates/

[Harald]

Australia Seeking Torpedo Self Defense Systems for its Surface Combatants

Australia's Department of Defence issued an advanced notice for the SEA 1408 Phase 3 Project - Torpedo Self Defence.

SEA1408 Phase 3 project seeks to identify and deliver new generation Torpedo Self Defense (TSD) systems to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) surface fleet, to maximise an individual ship's probability of survival against torpedo attack.

Integrated TSD into the Combat Management System (CMS) will be pursued to provide a networked system for maritime Task Groups. This will be delivered to the Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers as well as inform the design of the future Hunter-class Frigates, and future integration into the wider surface fleet.

Naval Group is a likely bibber for this project, having announced last year that they are ready to produce their CANTO system locally in Australia.

Other modern torpedo defense systems include the ZOKA by Turkey's Aselsan, the Type 2170 Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) by Ulta Electronics, SHADE by Israel's Rafael, or the C310 by Italy's Leonardo.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/australia-seeking-torpedo-self-defense-systems-for-its-surface-combatants/

[Harald]

Spanish Navy finally getting new BAM IS submarine rescue ship



The Spanish government has approved the construction of the BAM IS (Underwater Intervention Maritime Action Vessel) submarine rescue vessel. A contract will be signed in early 2021 with the local shipyard Navantia for a delivery expected in 2024.

The information was first reported by Spanish daily newspaper El País.

Spanish Navy's submarine rescue capability currently relies on the sole 45 year-old Neptuno (A-20) Amatista Mod-class vessel. Launched as a tug boat in 1975, it has not yet been scrapped because it is needed for diving exercises.

Neptuno is not adapted for the future Isaac Peral-classe S-80 submarines the Spanish Navy plans to induct starting 2021. Among other limitations, the Neptuno can't board a remote-controlled or rescue vehicle or remain fixed at sea (supplying oxygen, water, or food to a submersible in distress) except by deploying all four of its anchors: Something impossible to do while in rough seas.

The Spanish Navy has been demanding the construction of the BAM IS for years and, finally, the Ministry of Defense has included the topic in its 2021 budget. The program should cost around €167 million for the ship and €25 million for specific equipment.

The BAM IS will feature a side-scan radar, two hyperbaric chambers, two ROVs, two underwater communication systems, emergency supply systems and an helipad. It is based of the Meteoro-class offshore patrol vessel design the Spanish Navy already operates, but features a higher tonnage and double decks.

The future rescue ship will be designed to house the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NRSS), which includes a remotely operated submersible (SRDRS). This mini-submarine is at the disposal of NATO countries and ready to be deployed in 72 hours in case of emergency.

About BAM IS submarine rescue ship

•Length: 91 m
•Speed: Max 15 knots
•Accommodation: 48 +12
•Displacement: 5,000 tons

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/spanish-navy-finally-getting-new-bam-is-submarine-rescue-ship/

[Kornet43]

EU Finances The Construction Of 3 New Hydrographic Vessels For The Italian Navy

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/eu-finances-the-construction-of-3-new-hydrographic-vessels-for-the-italian-navy/

Ik krijg het idee dat wij toch echt iets verkeerd doen als land, de Italianen laten nu 3 nieuwe hydorgraven bouwen door een italiaans (staats)bedrijf met geld van de EU?
Op die manier kunnen we met gemak onze vloot ook uitbreiden, het is toch maar een lening 

Een voorbeeld hoe de Europese transferunie werkt!

Beheerstechnisch

[Parera]

EU Finances The Construction Of 3 New Hydrographic Vessels For The Italian Navy





https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/eu-finances-the-construction-of-3-new-hydrographic-vessels-for-the-italian-navy/


Ik krijg het idee dat wij toch echt iets verkeerd doen als land, de Italianen laten nu 3 nieuwe hydorgraven bouwen door een italiaans (staats)bedrijf met geld van de EU?
Op die manier kunnen we met gemak onze vloot ook uitbreiden, het is toch maar een lening 

[Harald]

Modernization of the Hellenic Navy

The Hellenic Navy is currently involved with an ambitious and wide ranging modernization plan. The plan, approved by the Greek parliament in May this year, consists in:
•The acquisition of four MH-60R maritime helicopters
•The upgrade of 3 existing S-70B helicopters
•The procurement of 36 heavyweight torpedoes
•The Mid-Life Update (MLU) the four MEKO 200HN frigates
•The Update of the four Type 214 submarine (with UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon missiles and torpedo decoys from Leonardo)

The plan is also set to include the procurement of 2 (+2 options) new generation frigates and possibly two additional Super Vita type FACM.

Regarding the new generation frigates, France and Greece were involved in exclusive negotiations for a while, for FDI type frigates. However, despite the signing of an LOI, it appears now that the procurement will go through an open tender process. Local sources told us that the likely shipbuilders to take part in the tender are:
•Lockheed Martin with the MMSC
•Naval Group with the FDI
•TKMS with the MEKO A200
•Damen with an unspecified design
•Babcock with the Type 31

While this may officially be an open tender, rumor has it that, but based on the requirements and tender parameters, the MMSC design will likely win. This partly due to the US involvement with local Greek shipyards.

Further down the road, the Hellenic Navy may procure  the Themistocles Corvette and/or the European Patrol Corvette.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/hellenic-navy-signs-heavyweight-torpedo-deal-with-atlas-elektronik/

[Harald]

China's New Aircraft Carrier Killer Is World's Largest Air-Launched Missile

H I Sutton sheds some light on China's latest aircraft carrier killer: The CH-AS-X-13 air-launched anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM).




Navies are racing to develop hypersonic missiles which may change the pace of naval warfare. Russia will deploy the Zircon hypersonic missile aboard warships and submarines. The US Navy has started down the path of the common hypersonic glide body (c-HGB) for its destroyers. Meanwhile China's latest hypersonic weapon is something completely different; it is air launched.

The massive new missile, labelled CH-AS-X-13, is probably the largest air-launched missile in the world.

The missile was first reported by Ankit Panda, the Stanton Senior Fellow at the Nuclear Policy Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in April 2018. More recently candid images have appeared on Chinese social media. These provide a clearer view of the novel weapon.

Analysts believe that it may be intended to target high-value warships, particularly aircraft carriers. This makes it an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). And it appears to be carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). This may give it extended range and increase survivability against air defenses.

The CH-AS-X-13 may be closely related to the ground based DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile. Image analysis suggests that it has different dimensions however, so may use a different rocket motor. The most likely reason for this would be the physical restrictions imposed by carrying it under an H-6 bomber. Additionally it appears to be equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) similar to the one seen on the DF-17 ballistic missile. Clearer images in the future may clarify this.

The DF-21D is believed to have a range in excess of 1,500 km. The CH-AS-X-13 may have a similar range, or possibly further due to the aerial launch and a hypersonic glide vehicle. Either way, being carried by a bomber will massively increase its overall reach. The H-6N version which carries it has aerial refueling to further increase their range. The CH-AS-X-13 is therefore a threat beyond the first island chain and South China Sea. It could potentially hit targets in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, or Indian Ocean.

Even if the missile has this incredible range it will face challenges reaching its full potential. Finding and tracking an aircraft carrier at extreme ranges may be the Achilles' heel. And a lot may depend on the survivability of the bomber itself, and the number of aircraft available for the mission. Context, of course is everything.

The H-6 bomber is not limited to the CH-AS-X-15 however. It can also carry a range of anti-ship missiles. Foremost among these is the YJ-12 supersonic missile. This is similar to the Russian Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton) missile, but significantly larger. At least four YJ-12s can be carried, meaning that a squadron of bombers could launch a saturation attack on a Carrier Battle Group. The subsonic KD-63 (also commonly referred to as the YJ-63) can also be carried.

Having anti-ship ballistic missiles may also be used to message China's potential adversaries. On August 26 China test fired a DF-21D ASBM into the South China Sea. This was just weeks after the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan had been exercising in the area. The CH-AS-X-13 adds another dimension to the threat to carrier battle groups, so its development alone can be seen as sending a clear message of China's increasing military confidence.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-killer-is-worlds-largest-air-launched-missile/

[Harald]

Another littoral combat ship breaks down on deployment   (  oeps.. )

The littoral combat ship Detroit is limping back to Mayport, Florida from a deployment to South America in a move that marks the latest setback for the Freedom variant's complicated propulsion system.

Three sources familiar with the situation told Defense News the casualty is in Detroit's combining gear, which is a complex transmission that connects power from two large gas turbine engines and two main propulsion diesel engines to the ship's propulsion shafts, which propels the ship through the water with water jets.

Detroit will redeploy to Southern Command when repairs are completed, U.S. 4th Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson said in a statement.

"USS Detroit (LCS 7) experienced an engineering casualty during routine operations, and a technical evaluation determined that in-port repairs would be required," the statement read. "USS Detroit has been a vital and productive asset and will be redeployed as soon as possible."

Detroit's Freedom-class sister ship Sioux City and the trimaran Independence-class LCS Gabrielle Giffords remain on station, Gabrielson said.

The Freedom-class LCS has been bedeviled by issues with its combining gear, which is an imperfect solution engineered to meet the 40-knot-plus speed requirement. The ship can make between 10 and 12 knots with just its diesel engines, but to go any faster it must engage the gas turbine engines. The combining gear fuses and transmits the power to the propulsion shafts, but is a system with a lot of moving parts and has proven unreliable.

The string of combining gear casualties dating back to at least late 2015, when the LCS Milwaukee broke down on its maiden voyage to its home port in Mayport, Florida, and had to be towed into Little Creek amphibious base in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Early the next year, the littoral combat ship Fort Worth suffered a casualty to the combining gear in port when sailors accidentally ran the system without lube oil running through it.

The trimaran Independence-class also suffered breakdowns in 2016, including a serious casualty on the Montgomery and the Coronado. The Navy has proposed decommissioning the first four littoral combat ships, citing misalignment with the rest of the fleet. The Navy has procured 35 littoral combat ships.

Several sources familiar with the issue who spoke to Defense News said the Freedom variant's propulsion train has proven generally unreliable when the combining gear needs to be engaged.

..../...

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/10/28/another-littoral-combat-breaks-down-on-deployment/

[Harald]

Romania Restates Commitment to Sign EUR 1.2 bln Contract with Naval Group

Romania is ready to sign the deal with French company Naval Group for the purchase of multi-role corvettes worth EUR 1.2 bln as soon as the court litigation related to this contract ends, Romanian Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said in Paris on Monday, October 26.

"There is a dispute, in fact not one, there have been several lawsuits that have been initiated by a competitor against the contract award decision taken by the tender commission. As soon as these litigations are over in court, from our point of view, we are ready to sign the contract. For us, it is essential to sign and fulfill this contract. The construction of the four corvettes is critical in Romania's strategic device at the Black Sea," the prime minister said, Mediafax reported.

In October last year, the Bucharest Court rejected an appeal filed by the Dutch group Damen, after the Defense Ministry awarded the contract to the association between Naval Group and Constanta Shipyard.

However, one of the cases still in court can lead to the annulment of the Government decision 48/2018 that approved the procedures for organizing the tender.

https://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/214022/romania-committed-to-sign-%E2%82%AC1.2bn-contract-with-france%E2%80%99s-naval-group.html