Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[Harald]

Blue Spear 5G SSM - Estonia's coastal defence

The shipment of the Blue Spear 5G SSM anti-ship missile system at the outset of this year represents a quantum leap in Estonia's maritime warfare capabilities. This high-tech missile system is part of Estonia's comprehensive coastal defence complex solution and covers almost the entire Baltic Sea with its firing range.

The Blue Spear 5G SSM, the Estonian Defence Forces' latest addition, is a cutting-edge missile system engineered for optimal performance under all combat conditions. It boasts day-and-night, all-weather capability, with a striking range of up to 290 kilometres. Its advanced targeting capabilities, leveraging active radar guidance, precision navigation, and a hardened communication network, render it resilient against electronic countermeasures.

"The acquisition of anti-ship missiles is of critical importance for raising the level of the Navy's and, more broadly, Estonia's defence capabilities. We have reached another significant milestone, which is necessary for ensuring the security of the people of Estonia and for defending the country at sea, on land, and in the air. The presence of Blue Spears in the Navy significantly increases the firing range of the Estonian Defence Forces and strengthens deterrence against a potential aggressor," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

"The Blue Spear 5G anti-ship missile system, together with sea mines, forms the cornerstone of Estonian maritime defence for the coming decades. I thank the contracting partners and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, who have adhered to deadlines and made significant efforts despite difficult times. I thank the naval personnel who have shown determination, patience, and willpower in commissioning both mentioned weapon systems," said the commander of the Estonian Navy, Commodore Jüri Saska.

The anti-ship missiles were supplied to Estonia by Proteus Advanced Systems, a joint venture between two companies, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and ST Engineering Land Systems from Singapore. "We are honored to equip the Estonian Defence Forces with Blue Spear type missiles," said Ron Tryfus, CEO of Proteus Advanced Systems. "With this, the Estonian Navy has acquired a high-tech defence capability, a next-generation land-to-land missile system developed in cooperation between two companies, IAI and ST Engingeering Land Systems," he added.

The Estonian government decided on the missile system's funding in 2020, and a contract between the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and Proteus Advanced Systems was signed in 2021. "I want to thank our contracting partner, who has respected their international obligations and stood by the promise that the missile system would arrive on time," said Ramil Lipp, ECDI's Strategic Category Manager.

The project also involves the Estonian defence industry company Pro Lift OÜ, which carried out the vehicle modifications suitable for the missile system.

https://www.kaitseinvesteeringud.ee/en/blue-spear-anti-ship-missile-system-significantly-improves-estonias-defence-capability/



Estonia's Blue Spear AShM System Achieves IOC

Estonian authorities have officially confirmed that the Blue Spear anti-ship missile system has reached initial operational capability.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/estonias-blue-spear-ashm-system-achieves-ioc/#prettyPhoto

[Harald]

https://www.naval-technology.com/news/uk-royal-navy-revamp-their-amphibious-landing-craft/?cf-view

UK Royal Navy revamps its amphibious raiding craft

After the UK announced it will donate more than half of its landing craft to Ukraine, the Royal Navy has announced a re-designed version of its existing fleet.

The UK Royal Navy announced its induction of the Commando Raiding Craft (CRC), a re-designed version of the Royal Marines' Offshore Raiding Craft – commonly known in the Corps as the 'ORC'.

ORCs are an enduring fast boat used by the Royal Marines for troop insertion and patrols. The craft are 9.1m in length with a displacement of 5 tonnes.

There are two variants: a fire support variant and a troop-carrying variant. While the former carries four personnel, three machine guns and a 40mm grenade launcher the latter is capable of carrying eight troops.

Until December 2023, the Royal Marines had operated 35 ORCs until the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced that 23 units will be donated to Ukraine – a loss of 65% of its ORC fleet – along with two Sandown-class mine-hunting vessels.

"The current fleet of craft were ageing and had limited range and capacity," explained Major Joe Brown, from the Commando Force Acquisition team.

"An opportunity was taken to revamp this fleet to deliver a considerable upgrade to the current craft through the development of in-service hulls," he added.

"It is an example of developing for the future through maximising the potential within existing capabilities."

CRC features
The commanding officer of 47 Commando, Colonel William Norcott, noted: "We are really excited to have something that does what it says on the tin," in contrast to the legacy ORCs.

Re-painted in grey for greater concealment, the CRC also uses new engines providing increased range –more than 200 nautical miles – and speed – up to 40 knots – and a new configuration with driving position moved from the back to front for better manoeuvrability.

It also employs new cooling systems, mast, trim for better protection from sea conditions and a sophisticated electronic suite for communications and navigation.

The CRC has three crew who rotate on long journeys but also space to launch drones, carry payloads and to store a smaller Inshore raiding craft to deploy on some landings if required.

"Crucially, this is a life extension and upgrade to the ORC and, although it is more than just a stop-gap," the Navy stated. "In the long run Commando Forces are developing a boat that will replace the ORC, CRC and larger landing craft vehicle personnel."

In the meantime, CRC is already deployed on operations – namely with 47 Commando's 539 Raiding Squadron and the Littoral Response Group (South) task force in the Mediterranean.

"The CRC in this role, with the new communications architecture fitted to enable rapid information flow, is ably demonstrating a broader utility than simply moving people from ship to shore," said Major Dan Wake, Officer Commanding of 539 Raiding Squadron.

[ARM-WAP]

Kapers op de kust! Frankrijk bied FDI aan de Noren aan.

https://www.opex360.com/2024/02/08/la-marine-nationale-fait-la-promotion-de-la-fregate-de-defense-et-dintervention-en-norvege/

Dat programma loopt vlotjes maar ik vermoed dat de Noren daarin niet zullen geinteresseerd zijn.
Allemaal compleet andere sensoren en wapens dan de Noren mee werken.
Maar ik denk dat de Fransen nog exportsuccessen zullen boeken met dit ontwerp waarvan ze blijkbaar makkelijk wensen van de klant aanpassen, zoals ze met de Griekse versie doen (die beter lijkt dan de versie voor de Marine Nationale).

[Parera]

Kapers op de kust! Frankrijk bied FDI aan de Noren aan.

https://www.opex360.com/2024/02/08/la-marine-nationale-fait-la-promotion-de-la-fregate-de-defense-et-dintervention-en-norvege/

[Harald]

Super Sonic Strike Missile (3SM) Tyrfing

Industriepartner erzielen offenbar Übereinkunft
https://www.hartpunkt.de/industriepartner-erzielen-offenbar-uebereinkunft/

(artikel vertaald via Google Translate)

Nadat de Noorse regering eind november de start had aangekondigd van de ontwikkeling van de toekomstige Noors-Duitse Super Sonic Strike Missile (3SM) Tyrfing anti-scheepsraket, waren de betrokken industriële partners uit beide landen het blijkbaar ook in principe eens over hoe verder te gaan December.Volgens goed geïnformeerde kringen hebben de drie bedrijven Kongsberg, Diehl en MBDA Duitsland een soort teamovereenkomst gesloten. De individuele werkpakketten en de nationale werkaandelen voor het project zijn echter blijkbaar nog niet afgerond. Waarnemers zijn daarom van mening dat het mogelijk is dat het Duitse aandeel in het project op de lange termijn ruim een ��derde zal bedragen.

De hoofdaannemer voor de ontwikkeling van de 3SM is de Noorse groep Kongsberg, die volgens insiders door de Noorse aanbestedingsautoriteit de opdracht zou kunnen krijgen om de ontwikkeling, die enkele honderden miljoenen euro's gaat kosten, al in de eerste helft van 2024 te starten. . Volgens een verklaring van Kongsberg zou de raket in 2035 klaar moeten zijn voor gebruik.

Deskundigen gaan ervan uit dat de 3SM aanzienlijk krachtiger zal zijn dan Kongsbergs internationaal succesvolle Naval Strike Missile (NSM), een anti-scheepsraket die in zijn eentje door Noorwegen is ontwikkeld en naar talloze landen wordt geëxporteerd. Alleen al de naam Super Sonic Strike Missile suggereert dat het, in tegenstelling tot de NSM, waarschijnlijk een supersonisch wapen is. De mogelijke voortstuwingsleverancier is het Noorse bedrijf Nammo, dat al enkele jaren aan een straalmotor werkt, aangezien MBDA Duitsland deze al heeft ontwikkeld voor serieproductie voor de Meteor lucht-luchtraket en deze al enige tijd produceert. Er wordt gezegd dat Tyrfing ook een aanzienlijk groter bereik zal hebben dan andere anti-scheepsraketten. Volgens berichten is er ook discussie over de vraag of de 3SM ook gelanceerd moet worden vanuit een verticaal lanceersysteem.

De ontwikkeling van de 3SM kan worden gezien in de context van de aanschaf van zes identieke CD-onderzeeërs van klasse 212 door Duitsland en Noorwegen, waarbij de Noorse strijdkrachten vier exemplaren ontvingen. In 2015 werd hier voor het eerst over het project gerapporteerd ( https://www.hartpunkt.de/deutschland-und-norwegen-pruefen-gemeinsame-beschaffen/ ). Het vertegenwoordigt een mijlpaal in de gemeenschappelijke Europese wapencoördinatie.

Als gevolg hiervan, en met het oog op de Noorse compensatieeisen voor de aankoop van onderzeeërs, kwamen de ministeries van Defensie van beide landen overeen dat de Duitse marine de Naval Strike Missile voor haar fregatten zou aanschaffen ( https://www.hartpunkt. de/germany-procures -noors-zee-doelvliegtuig/ ). Het valt nog te bezien met welke compensatieverplichtingen Duitsland te maken zal krijgen als de Noorse marine besluit een vijfde klasse 212CD-boot aan te schaffen, waarover blijkbaar serieus wordt gesproken in het Scandinavische land.

[Harald]

Leonardo unveils model of Landing Helicopter Dock with integrated combat system

At the World Defence Show (WDS) 2024, Leonardo introduced a model of a new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) that incorporates an integrated combat system.



This underscores Leonardo's expertise in the field of naval defense technologies, particularly in command and control systems. The company has a history of providing comprehensive naval defense solutions that support the entire lifecycle of naval vessels.

Leonardo's integrated naval combat systems are designed for a wide range of maritime vessels, including patrol boats, aircraft carriers, mine-hunters, and submarines. These systems are developed to support various naval mission scenarios such as peacekeeping, patrolling, anti-piracy operations, surveillance, oil platform protection, and search and rescue activities.

The company's expertise covers a broad spectrum of products, including naval communications, navigation systems, radar, fire control systems, electro-optics, uncrewed systems, and weaponry like guns, missiles, torpedoes, sonars, and electronic warfare suites.

Leonardo is also capable of incorporating third-party subsystems into its solutions. The ATHENA Combat Management System is highlighted as a modular and scalable solution designed to address contemporary and evolving threats.

Leonardo's approach to naval combat involves net-centric operation systems that facilitate cooperation among naval surface ships, aircraft, and submarines, coordinated by land-based operation centers.

This coordination is achieved through a communication network that integrates different wavebands and satellite communication in both military and civil spheres. Leonardo has a record of supplying more than 100 warships for 40 different navies and is known for its ATHENA Combat Management System. Its products, including over 200 fire control systems and tracking radars, are in use by several navies, including the Italian Navy.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2024/february/14028-wds-2024-leonardo-unveils-model-of-landing-helicopter-dock-with-integrated-combat-system.html

[Ace1]

De Canterbury van de Nieuw Zeelandse marine heeft ook een lengte van 131 meter. Het zou kunnen dat Damen een slag kleiner gaat voor de Enforcer 12026? Een aangepaste drone carrier zoals Portugal heeft of het gebruik van de scheepsromp daarvan sluit ik ook niet uit.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMNZS_Canterbury_(L421)

https://www.damen.com/vessels/defence-and-security/landing-platform-dock-enforcers/landing-platform-dock-enforcer-12026

[Harald]

DRASS And FLYSIGHT To Develop Underwater Traffic Control Centers

A cooperation agreement has been signed between DRASS and FLYSIGHT for the development of underwater traffic control centres.



DRASS press release

As part of Olterra ship's construction program dedicated to submarine rescue and underwater interventions, the development program for the first Underwater Operations Centre of the Italian Navy, based on an important industrial patent of DRASS, has been launched.

In this context, in anticipation of an expansion of its installation across all serving units of the Naval Forces, DRASS and FLYSIGHT have signed an important cooperation agreement for the development of new generation electronic cartography, georeferenced representation and management of seabed operations.

Marco Bellomo, Technical Director of Drass, commented: "Structured knowledge of the seabed is a declared objective not only of the Navy but of all Italian institutional stakeholders with an underwater focus. We are proud to carry out this strategic program for which we count on the ability, passion, and technological value of our friends at FLYSIGHT".

Andrea Masini, CEO of Flysight, added: "We are pleased and enthusiastic to collaborate with DRASS on the development of the Navy's first Underwater Operations Centre: the proposed solution will provide new tools to maximize the situational awareness of operators involved in submarine rescue operations."

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/drass-and-flysight-to-develop-underwater-traffic-control-centers/

[Kornet43]

Damen heeft 2 opties die men kan aanbieden.

Optie 1 het  MRSS de Enforcer 10000 wat aan Maleisië is voorgesteld.

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Ogen-Nederlandse-defensie-industre-gericht-op-Maleisie-031120.html

Optie 2 De multifunctionele dronecarrier van Portugal

Wat willen de Ieren met zo'n grote boot?, ze hebben er geen personeel voor, hun hele mini vlootje, op twee schepen na is aan de ketting gelegd wegen personeelstekort.

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Portugese-marine-bestelt-oceanografische-dronecarrier-bij-Damen-261123.html

[Huzaar1]

Alles wat grijs en groen wordt geverfd is een stuk duurder geworden.

[Ace1]

Dat valt echt nog wel mee, het JSS werd gekocht voor 363 miljoen Euro, dit werd in 2012 verhoogd tot 407,9 miljoen. Dat zou met inflatie mee gerekend nu uitkomen op 550 miljoen Euro. Dit resulteert in +/- 55% van ons JSS.

Hier zijn natuurlijk niet de veel duurder wordende inkoop prijzen van alles in meegenomen. Maar als we dat afzetten tegen de JWIT die in 2000 voor 260 miljoen gulden gekocht is. Dat komt met inflatie uit op 225 miljoen Euro. En ik denk dat de Ieren geen groot platform zullen aanschaffen maar eerder iets uit de nieuwe Enforcer series.

Dit betekend dat men mogelijk kijkt naar de ontwerpen 12620/13226 & 14426. Met een bedrag van 300 miljoen Euro moet daar echt wel iets te ontwerpen zijn naar de wens van de Ieren. Qua sewaco verwacht ik geen hoogstandjes bij de Ieren. Een NS-100 & 76 mm + 2x 20 mm kanon is ongeveer wat ik inschat, mogelijk nog uitgerust voor maar niet uitgevoerd een RAM of phalanx als CIWS op de hangaar.

Damen heeft 2 opties die men kan aanbieden.

Optie 1 het  MRSS de Enforcer 10000 wat aan Maleisië is voorgesteld.

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Ogen-Nederlandse-defensie-industre-gericht-op-Maleisie-031120.html

Optie 2 De multifunctionele dronecarrier van Portugal

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Portugese-marine-bestelt-oceanografische-dronecarrier-bij-Damen-261123.html

[Parera]

Ah 300 miljoen, daar koop je 3 kajuiten en een schroef van de Doorman voor.

Dat valt echt nog wel mee, het JSS werd gekocht voor 363 miljoen Euro, dit werd in 2012 verhoogd tot 407,9 miljoen. Dat zou met inflatie mee gerekend nu uitkomen op 550 miljoen Euro. Dit resulteert in +/- 55% van ons JSS.

Hier zijn natuurlijk niet de veel duurder wordende inkoop prijzen van alles in meegenomen. Maar als we dat afzetten tegen de JWIT die in 2000 voor 260 miljoen gulden gekocht is. Dat komt met inflatie uit op 225 miljoen Euro. En ik denk dat de Ieren geen groot platform zullen aanschaffen maar eerder iets uit de nieuwe Enforcer series.

Dit betekend dat men mogelijk kijkt naar de ontwerpen 12620/13226 & 14426. Met een bedrag van 300 miljoen Euro moet daar echt wel iets te ontwerpen zijn naar de wens van de Ieren. Qua sewaco verwacht ik geen hoogstandjes bij de Ieren. Een NS-100 & 76 mm + 2x 20 mm kanon is ongeveer wat ik inschat, mogelijk nog uitgerust voor maar niet uitgevoerd een RAM of phalanx als CIWS op de hangaar.

[Huzaar1]

Ah 300 miljoen, daar koop je 3 kajuiten en een schroef van de Doorman voor.

[Parera]

Irish Naval Service Plans €300 Million Support Ship Buy

The Republic of Ireland has issued a pre-solicitation for the procurement of a new multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace the Irish Naval Service's former flagship, LÉ Eithne (P31), which was decommissioned in 2022. 

According to a Prior Information Notice (PIN) issued by the Irish Department of Defence (DoD) on January 23rd, the new vessel will provide the Irish Naval Service with a flexible platform, able to perform a variety of missions. In a first for the Naval Service, which has seldom deployed vessels overseas, the new MRV will be designed from the outset to support operations both at home and overseas.

The Irish Naval Service has long-sought to develop its ability to conduct higher-end naval operations through the procurement of some kind of multi-role naval capability. In 2017, a team from Ireland toured the Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Canterbury (L421), and received a briefing on its various capabilities.

Notably HMNZS Canterbury, like many Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) vessels acquired through Project Protector in the early 2000s, traces its design heritage back to Ireland. While Canterbury was based on a commercial Irish Sea ferry, MV Ben-My-Chree, the RNZNs two offshore patrol vessels HMNZS Wellington (P55) and Otago (P148) were developed from the Irish Naval Services Roisin class patrol vessels.

While the document published by the DoD is fairly sparse in detail, it does provide a rough budget for the project, as well as a high-level overview of the desired capabilities. In terms of capability, according to the notice, the vessel will be outfitted for organic helicopter operations as well as freight and cargo carrying-duties. It will also be able to perform "other" maritime roles.

Growing Costs Associated with MRV Project
Since 2017 the cost of the MRV project has consistently been quoted in Irish media at around €200 million. However, the January advance procurement notice lists the total value of the project as €300 million (~$324mn USD), an €100 million increase.

It is unclear why exactly the budget for the project has increased so substantially, however, there are a variety of possible reasons for the cost growth. The level of capability that Ireland wants, for example, could have grown since the project began, especially due to the global geopolitical situation which has deteriorated markedly since 2017. Inflation and exchange rate fluctuations could also be a factor in the price increase. It's also possible that the original €200 million budget was only for the ship itself, and didn't include the requisite infrastructure, training, personnel, or sustainment costs.

A better picture of the ships desired capabilities, and thus the likely candidates, will emerge in October this year when a more thorough contract notice is expected to be issued. In the meantime, Irish media has reported that both Babcock International, with it's Arrowhead 140 design, and Damen with a variant of the Dutch Navy's Joint Support Ship (JSS) are interested in the requirement. However, neither company responded to questions from Naval News.

Perhaps the biggest question hanging over the project, however, is how the Irish Naval Service will crew the new vessel. Like many Western navies, the Naval Service has long-struggled to attract personnel, however, in recent years the shortage has become critical with all-but two ships laid up without crews as of December 2023.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/02/irish-naval-service-plans-e300-million-support-ship-buy/

[Harald]

San Antonio Class Looks Very Different After Shedding Its Stealthy Masts

The latest San Antonio class ship has a new radar and lacks the low-observable mast enclosures that gave the type its futuristic look.



https://www.twz.com/sea/san-antonio-class-looks-very-different-after-shedding-its-stealthy-masts