The SAAF Forum

South African Navy signals interest in new patrol boats
The South African Navy (SAN) has issued a request for information (RfI) for both offshore and inshore patrol vessels, Jane's understands from SAN sources. The new vessels are to be acquired under Project Biro to replace the remaining strike craft and minehunters acquired in the 1970s and 1980s and will complement the SAN's four MEKO A200 frigates
[first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 15 July 2011]

Still 3 of each?

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"Kwassie"

Please tell me they will base some of them in Durban, its ridiculous to have all our naval assets in Simonstown.

If the larger vessels have the capability to operate helicopters,then what type?

Lynx are a good idea but SAAF only has 4 of them. Suppose more could be ordered.

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"Kwassie"

The OPV's would probably have a helideck but not a hangar so helicopters would only "visit" them for short periods - probably Lynx if the OPVs are operating with a Frigate, otherwise Oryx or A109.

IMNSHO the A109 was a mistake. The SAAF should have selected the Eurocopter EC645 - basically the military version of an updated BK117. http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/ref/EC645_892.html (The Americans call theirs the UH-72 Lakota.)

A109 not ideal in maritime role. Oryx on the large size.
Not a good idea to share Lynx between Frigates and OPV's either.
I feel we need a large contingent of maritime helicopters.

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"Kwassie"

The SAN is simply too small to have two complete bases. A "detachment" with a basic logistics support installation somewhere on the east coast makes a lot of sense. They used to have such a setup in Durban back when the fleet was a much larger.

I'm just not sure if Durban harbour has the space for it anymore. I think it's far too busy with lots of heavy commercial traffic.
Maybe Richards Bay has a quiet corner available or there is another smallish underused harbour elswhere in KZN?

The SAN still operates from Salisbury Island Naval Station in Durban harbour.

Wonder where I got the idea it was closed down?

I've looked at the main Project Biro thread, and just wondering what everyone thought the primary contenders for the project will be? OPVs and Amphibs seem to be the IT thing with most navies today.

This is an example of the OPVs recently acquired by the Royal New Zealand Navy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMNZS_Otago_%28P148%29

And this is an example of their IPV:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMNZS_Taupo_%282008%29

And finally their multi-role vessel:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMNZS_Cant ... %28L421%29

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A plan is simply a basis for change.

A few others I've found.

Gawron class (MEKO A-100).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gawron_Class

Kedah class offshore patrol vessel (MEKO 100)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kedah_class_OPV

Braunschweig class corvette. Already in German service.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunschweig_class_corvette

Gowind class, prototype just launched.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowind

BAM class (Meteoro), first ship just completed trials.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buque_de_Acci%C3%B3n_Mar%C3%ADtima

So what is the SAN acquiring then?

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"Kwassie"

We'll just have to wait and see who responds to the RfI, then keep an eye on further developments.
I do however think HDW would enter the race with an advantage given the high degree of commonality between the A200 and A100.

I think the OPV's should be fitted with hangars, but no need for SSM / SAM weapons. Would they consider basing Oryx's onboard an OPV?

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"Kwassie"