The SAAF Forum

Wahoo 42 ft interceptors loaded on Drakies and ready to go.

Go where may I ask?

My guess would be on the anti-piracy patrol off Mozambique. That would make sense.

Can these boats fit on the frigates? Their boat space looks a bit limited.

Confirmed by Chief of the Navy that the Drakensberg has replaced Isandlwana on Operation Copper.

This might be a stupid question, but will it be able to defend itself from an attack from pirates?

I know with the oryx onboard and guns mounted on the desk it will be a battle, what I'm more thinking of is in the line of radar to pick up small targets and keep a safe area around the ship? With the upgrade the Drakensberg had some time ago did they also upgrade the radars etc.?

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"It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious."

DKGB has 4 20mm 6 12.7mm guns more than enough for any pirate boat even a mother ship. Not to mention enough MRS and SF to take out what ever port they dock in. So I thing she will be more than fit to defend her self. Has for Radar it is good enough and in any case most responses are to Mayday calls. If they had to board every boat that look like a pirate boat they would be very busy.

That a supply ship has to do the work of an OPV or a frigate is a clear sign of how bad the SAN's problems have become.
This deployment surely costs a multiple of what it would for an OPV.

One wonders just how much the Mozambique government is contributing to the cost of patrolling their waters. A nice round figure I suppose.

Ironically it's probably cheaper. Fewer hungry horses to feed, intrinsically smaller crew - than a frigate at least - and far more comfortable accommodation for the embarked MRS boys. Less wear and tear on expensive electronic systems - mainly because there are none.

Even NATO forces send supply ships. They actually bet suited for the job. The main system used by ships in piracy ops is Helicopters and small boats DKGB carry's more of both than any OPV or frigate.

And the Pirates come to them as well, as can be seen when pirates mistakenly attack a Dutch(I think) supply ship.