Internationale ontwikkelingen maritiem

[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

[Huzaar1]

Dat lijkt op een Damen product zeg

[Harald]

Fincantieri launches modular FCx30 frigate concept, targets Saudi Arabia order

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero told Breaking Defense the modularity approach shortens production time against a general frigate market trend of 40 months, and he "strongly believes" Saudi Arabia stands as a key "addressable market" to secure a future FCx30 sale.



.../...

Based on Qatar's Doha/Al Zubarah-class ship design, FCx30 vessels are to be offered to customers, including Saudi Arabia — regarded as a top sales priority — in three configurations: light, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and full, according to a Fincantieri presentation Monday at the World Defense Show here.

.../...

Looking closer at the three modular design configurations of the FCx, the light version will cover search and rescue, constabulary, strike, counter-piracy, peacekeeping and maritime interception operations.

An ASW configuration would encompass not only the anti-sub role, but also Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives and surveilliance co-ordination.

The full version of the frigate would address maritime strike coordination and reconnaissance and air interdiction of maritime targets.

.../...

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/02/fincantieri-launches-modular-fcx30-frigate-concept-targets-saudi-arabia-order/

Fincantieri Reveals Details Of Its FCx30 Corvette
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/05/fincantieri-reveals-details-of-its-fcx30-corvette-proposal-to-greece/

[Harald]

Land Attack Capability Axed On AGM-158C LRASM Anti-Ship Missile

Development of the AGM-158C-3 variant, which will now remain purely focused on the anti-ship role, has also slipped some two years to 2026.



The U.S. Navy has completely abandoned plans to acquire a subvariant of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile with the added ability to strike targets ashore, according to a newly released Pentagon report. The service had previously expected the AGM-158C-3 version to enter service sometime this year, but further changes in the scope of its development have now pushed this back to the fall of 2026, at which time it will not feature the extra ground-strike capability.

Details about the change in plans for the AGM-158C-3 variant of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) were included in the latest annual report from the Pentagon's Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, or DOT&E. The report covers activities that occurred during the 2023 Fiscal Year, when ended on September 30 of last year.

.../...

https://www.twz.com/air/land-attack-capability-axed-on-agm-158c-lrasm-anti-ship-missile

[Harald]

Navy's SM-6 Missile Used In Combat: Report

The use of the multi-purpose SM-6 missile in the ongoing battle with the Houthis would mark a major milestone for the versatile weapon.

The Pentagon is said to have confirmed for the first time the use of the U.S. Navy's SM-6 missile in the ongoing campaign against missiles and drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militants targeting shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. If the SM-6 was indeed employed, it would be the first known use of this surface-to-air missile in combat. As we have discussed in the past, the SM-6 offers some unique capabilities, including defense against incoming ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight, which appears to have been the case on this occasion.

An unnamed U.S. defense official told Fox News that an SM-6 was successfully fired against a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) in the Gulf of Aden yesterday. The SM-6 — or Standard Missile-6 — was said to be launched by the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64), a warship that has already seen plenty of action engaging Houthi threats, since the Hamas attack on Israel last October 7 triggered a wider conflict in the region.

.../...

https://www.twz.com/sea/navys-sm-6-missile-used-in-combat-report

[Harald]

Navy Looking For Counter-Drone Systems That Can Be Rapidly Added To Its Ships

The Navy is interested in quickly enhancing its ships' ability to down drones, reflecting concerns over what's happening in the Red Sea.

If your company has a system in production that can counter aerial drones and could start integrating it onto a warship within 12 months of getting a contract, the U.S. Navy is interested. The urgency here comes as American Arleigh Burke class destroyers have been shooting down dozens of drones launched by Houthi militants at ships in and around the Red Sea. The War Zone just did a deep dive into the ever-growing challenges these threats pose to Navy ships and their current arsenals in the context of the service's future Constellation class frigates.

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) first put out the contracting notice seeking information about potential add-on shipboard counter-drone capabilities on behalf of the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) back on January 18. A slightly updated version was posted online last week.

The Navy is specifically interested in systems that have a demonstrated ability to counter drones in what the U.S. military defines as Groups 3, 4, and 5. Under the Department of Defense's categorization system, Group 3 drones are ones with maximum weights of no more than 1,320 pounds, that can reach altitudes up to 18,000 feet, and have top speeds of up to 250 knots. Group 4 has the same altitude stipulation, but covers drones with maximum weights greater than 1,320 pounds and that can fly at any speed. Group 5, the largest drone category in the U.S. military's system, is for any uncrewed aircraft with a maximum weight greater than 1,320 pounds and that can fly above 18,000 feet.

As a more specific example, Iran's now-infamous Shahed 136 kamikaze drone, variants and derivatives of which are now in service in Russia and with several Iranian-backed proxies, falls in the Group 3 category. The Group 4 category includes things like Iran's Mohajer 6 (also now in use in Russia, among other countries) and the U.S. Army's MQ-1C Gray Eagle. The MQ-9 Reaper is typically used as an example of a Group 5 type, but this very open-ended category encompasses all kinds of larger drones. All of these are, of course, just a small sample of the kinds of drones that fall into these three categories.

.../...

https://www.twz.com/news-features/navy-looking-for-counter-drone-systems-that-can-be-rapidly-added-to-its-ships

[Sparkplug]

Assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark to remain in service

By George Allison - January 29, 2024

Despite mounting speculation, assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark now remain in service for another decade instead of being scrapped.

Both ships were reported to have been considered for early retirement to free up sailors for other vessels amid a recruitment crisis in the armed forces.

Andrew Rosindell, (Conservative – Romford) asked:

"To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to (a) maintain and (b) improve amphibious assault capabilities."

James Cartlidge, Minister of State (Ministry of Defence), responded:

"The Commando Force modernisation programme is delivering a fundamental change to the UK's amphibious capabilities. The programme will be delivered in two investment increments, called OPERATE and FIGHT. OPERATE will deliver a transformation of 3 Commando Brigade's operational capability on land while FIGHT will deliver the additional capabilities required to conduct ship-to-shore operations in a contested maritime environment.

On current plans, the Landing Platform Docks, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will retire from service by the end of 2034. As part of the transformation of our Commando Forces, options for future amphibious capability are being developed in the form of the Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS). The Secretary of State has also commissioned a plan on how the Royal Marines excellent work and capabilities can be bolstered and enhanced to protect Britain from a world that has grown more dangerous. An update to the House will be provided in due course."


https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/assault-ships-hms-albion-and-hms-bulwark-to-remain-in-service/

[Parera]

We hebben een vaste en grote taak in rampen ondersteuning met name in de West en daar zijn zulke grote schepen echt voor vereist.

Maar met een of twee CSS'en & een LHD / drone carrier (+/- 180 m) en nog eens 6 LPX'en moet dat ruim voldoende zijn om dat soort ondersteuning te bieden.

[Huzaar1]

Dit is iets wat ik al vaker gezegd heb, bouw gewoon een 2e CSS. Het JSS concept waar we nu mee varen is iets wat we eigenlijk niet meer nodig hebben. De strategische zee transport capaciteit is leuk, maar als onze mariniers de focus gaan verleggen naar lichte eenheden en kleinere snelle raids dan valt dat grotendeels weg. De taak van RAS word overgenomen door het 2e CSS, dan blijft alleen de helikoter carrier taak over.

We zien de laatste tijd dat de Doorman ingezet word als transportschip van mariniers via de helikopters maar ook als ASW heli carrier. Dat doen we op dit moment met 3 NH-90's aan boord, maar nooit de volle potentie van de Doorman (6+ NH-90).

Op het moment dat we de Doorman vervangen door 2(schepen uit de) LPX (familie) voor de transport & heli carrier taak en 1 CSS voor de RAS taak dekken we het gehele plaatje af met 3 nieuwe schepen. Hoe dan ook het schip zal in de jaren '40 vervangen moeten worden door nieuwe capaciteit.


Een hele andere variant kan een heli/drone carrier kan zijn, maar de focus van de KM lijkt te liggen op kleinere schepen. Als je dan zou gaan voor een doorontwikkeling van het JSS gecombineerd met de nu te bouwen drone carrier voor Portugal kom je op een interessant ontwerp uit. Met een lengte van ergens tussen de 120 en 180 m zit er voldoende ruimte in voor alle huidige taken van het JSS gecombineerd met de nieuwe taak drone carrier. Hier in past eventueel ook nog een dok voor LCU/LCM's om het rollend materieel aan land te zetten maar ook voor de inzet van USV's en/of UUV's.

We hebben een vaste en grote taak in rampen ondersteuning met name in de West en daar zijn zulke grote schepen echt voor vereist.

[Harald]

Greece Closer Than Ever To Procure LCS From The U.S.

The Hellenic Navy is closer than ever to procure Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) following a letter from US Secretary of State allocating four vessels to Greece.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/01/greece-closer-than-ever-to-procure-lcs-from-the-u-s/


Greece Expresses Interest In Co-Production Of Constellation-Class Frigates

The Greek Minister of Defence Nikolaos Dendias has officially announced Greece's ambitious plan to construct seven Constellation-class frigates, showcasing the nation's commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/01/greece-expresses-interest-in-co-production-of-constellation-class-frigates/

[Parera]

Sowieso een goed idee om dat ding te vervangen voor een 2e AOR.

Dit is iets wat ik al vaker gezegd heb, bouw gewoon een 2e CSS. Het JSS concept waar we nu mee varen is iets wat we eigenlijk niet meer nodig hebben. De strategische zee transport capaciteit is leuk, maar als onze mariniers de focus gaan verleggen naar lichte eenheden en kleinere snelle raids dan valt dat grotendeels weg. De taak van RAS word overgenomen door het 2e CSS, dan blijft alleen de helikoter carrier taak over.

Maar heeft de marine nog een behoefte aan een heli carrier met het nieuwe mariniers raiding concept? Op past het er juist bij doordat naast de kleinere LPXes mariniers ook per heli kunnen worden afgezet?

Drone carrier lijkt me wel een uitkomst; lijkt me een goedkope vervanger voor een (lichte) aircraft carrier. Geen onverstandig asset met onze verre, licht beveiligde eilanden.

We zien de laatste tijd dat de Doorman ingezet word als transportschip van mariniers via de helikopters maar ook als ASW heli carrier. Dat doen we op dit moment met 3 NH-90's aan boord, maar nooit de volle potentie van de Doorman (6+ NH-90).

Op het moment dat we de Doorman vervangen door 2(schepen uit de) LPX (familie) voor de transport & heli carrier taak en 1 CSS voor de RAS taak dekken we het gehele plaatje af met 3 nieuwe schepen. Hoe dan ook het schip zal in de jaren '40 vervangen moeten worden door nieuwe capaciteit.


Een hele andere variant kan een heli/drone carrier kan zijn, maar de focus van de KM lijkt te liggen op kleinere schepen. Als je dan zou gaan voor een doorontwikkeling van het JSS gecombineerd met de nu te bouwen drone carrier voor Portugal kom je op een interessant ontwerp uit. Met een lengte van ergens tussen de 120 en 180 m zit er voldoende ruimte in voor alle huidige taken van het JSS gecombineerd met de nieuwe taak drone carrier. Hier in past eventueel ook nog een dok voor LCU/LCM's om het rollend materieel aan land te zetten maar ook voor de inzet van USV's en/of UUV's.

[Huzaar1]

..
Eventueel ook prima te gebruiken als ASW platform, zowel met Drone's als Helicopters.
Dat vind ik nu eigenlijk ook al voor de JSS.

Voor alles, snesnor, inlichtingen en offensieve en defensieve acties.

Als zo'n schip gelijk kan functioneren met (onder)water drones is dat de stap naar de toekomst.

[Harald]

Ik denk dat dergelijke heli operaties wel een rol zullen blijven spelen. De schaal is de vraag, maar met name voor rampen e.d is het wel fijn. Als dat bij andere schepen belegd kan worden is dat prima.

Ik zou het een goed idee vinden wanneer we een Drone carrier ontwikkelen.

  ..
Eventueel ook prima te gebruiken als ASW platform, zowel met Drone's als Helicopters.
Dat vind ik nu eigenlijk ook al voor de JSS.