ALGERIA – Corvette Program Preferred Supplier Still Being Considered
As of mid-July 2011, AMI continues to receive information concerning the Algerian Corvette Program. It appears that the program is again moving forward.
Algerian naval officials are again moving forward with procurement activities. AMI’s sources indicate that Algeria is now actively considering their design options although no firm date has been set for a preferred design or contractual decision.
Three design options that continue to be discussed in the international arena include the German MEKO, Russian Modified Steregushchiy (Tigr) and a Chinese frigate design (undetermined). Sources indicate that Algeria has all but eliminated the Chinese design as the Algerians have very little experience with the Chinese designs and logistics channels. Source also indicates that the German MEKO is spoken very highly of by Algerian officials indicating that this design may be preferred although a firm decision has yet to be made. The Algerians also apparently prefer the German integrated logistics and offset incentives. The third option being pushed by Russia is a Modified Steregushchiy (Tigr) class frigate. This option has been on the table since Russia responded to Algeria’s request for naval modernization assistance in 2005.
In the 2005 request, Russia offered two Steregushchiy corvettes, two Kilo class submarines, fifteen FAC and Zubr class air cushion vehicles (ACVs) to replace the Algerian National Navy’s (ANN) entire surface, subsurface and amphibious force in a single package. In addition, the two existing Kilos, three Koni corvettes and Nanuchka/Osa FAC force would be modernized.
To date, both new construction submarines have been delivered and the existing ship modernization programs are well underway at Russia’s Baltiysky Zavod Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The only major portion of Russia’s offer that has not been addressed is the two Steregushchiy corvettes. If Algeria chooses an alternative to the Russian corvettes, this will be its first major naval procurement outside the Russian supply chain in three decades.
Even though other interested suppliers such as BAE Systems, Fincantieri and DCNS are not being mentioned in the current context it does not necessarily mean that these designs have been eliminated from the competition. The only other option for Algeria was the three ex-Brunei class corvettes that are for sale on the used market. AMI’s source indicates that these have been ruled out. Every other option is probably still on the table. However, the German MEKO may be the favored choice at this moment. A decision on the preferred supplier could be made at any time.
Additional information on this project can be obtained by contacting Pat Bright at AMI International (Tel: + 1 360 373 2686 or E-mail: pbright@amiinter.com) or visiting the Future Corvette project report at: http://www.amiinter.com/wnpr/algeria/AG1011.html.
ALGERIA – Mourad Class Corvette and Nanuchka II Class FAC: In early March 2011, Russia’s Severnaya Verf Shipyard delivered the modernized Mourad class corvette, Rais Kellich, and the Nanuchka II class FAC, Rais Ali back to the Algerian National Navy (ANN) after a two year plus refit.
The Rais Kellich began its modernization in December 2008 and had its Strut Curve air search radar and the Hawk Screech fire control radar replaced with the Positive ME1.2. The new electronic warfare (EW) suite consists of the Watch Dog and Cross Loop ESM systems and PK-16 chaff launchers. The ship also was fitted with enhanced ASW capabilities including two twin 53cm torpedo tubes and the RBU-6000 rocket launcher/RPK-8 Zapad anti-submarine rockets. Two of three units have now been refurbished with the last unit, Rais Korfou, beginning by the end of 2011.
The Rais Ali also began its modernization effort in late 2008 and included the following improvements:
- Four quadruple Kh-35 Uran (SS-N-25 Switchblade) ASMs replaced the four P-20 Termit (SS-N-2C Styx) ASMs.
- A 30mm gatling gun was added.
- The Positive ME1.2 radar was added atop the main mast.
- The Band Stand FCR replaced the Garpun-E (Plank Shave) radar for the SS-N-25 ASMs.
- A Watch Dog ESM system replaced the Bell Tap system.
- The six 504 diesel engines were overhauled.
Two of three units have now been refurbished with the last unit, Rais Hamidou, beginning by the end of 2011.
Additional information on this and other Algerian modernization efforts can be obtained by contacting Pat Bright at AMI International (Tel: + 1 360 373 2686 or E-mail: pbright@amiinter.com) or visiting the visiting Algeria’s Modernization Report at http://www.amiinter.com/wnpr/algeria/modern.html.
PAKISTAN – Khalid Class Submarine: On 21 June 2011, AMI received information that the second of three MESMA Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules for the Pakistani Navy (PN) will be shipped from DCNS in the near term. The MESMA AIP system will be installed in one of the two remaining Agosta 90B class submarines in Pakistani naval service during its next refit in 2012.
The likely candidate is the PNS Khalid (S137), which was delivered to the PN in 1999 and is entering its mid-life overhaul window in 2012, which would be the prime opportunity to install the 8.7 meter (28.4ft) plug. The third AIP system is scheduled for delivery in 2014 and would be inserted in the PNS Saad (S 138) when it begins its first major overhaul. The third unit of the class, PNS Hazma (S 139) was built with its AIP plug already inserted. PNS Hazma entered service in 2008.
The mid-life refit and plug insertion will take place at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) in Pakistan.
Additional information on this and other PN modernization efforts can be obtained by contacting Pat Bright at AMI International (Tel: + 1 360 373 2686 or E-mail: pbright@amiinter.com) or visiting the Pakistani Modernization Report at http://www.amiinter.com/wnpr/pakistan/modern.html.
PAKISTAN – In early July 2011, AMI received information that China offered to lease two Jiangkai I (Type 054) class frigates to the Pakistani Navy (PN). China built two Type 054 class frigates before moving on to the Jiangkai II (Type 054A) class frigates. The offer is probably being made by the People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN) as the sea service would rather utilize the more capable Type 054A frigates rather than the Type 054 that ended as a two ship program.
Logistically for the Chinese, it would make better sense to lease the vessels to a foreign customer. From the Pakistani point of view, these two frigates would certainly suffice, as the PN is in need of up to four additional frigates to supplement its four F22P class, of which three have already entered service. Pakistani continues to express publicly that they wish to procure four of the more capable Type 054A variant. However, the two Type 054 variants would allow the sea service to get some of its requirements met in the near term while waiting for new construction Type 054As. Another plus for Pakistan is that it can lease the Type 054s for a fraction of the cost of new construction. In terms of capability, the Type 054s in Chinese service are very similar to the Pakistani F22Ps and could be integrated fairly quickly.
Additional information on this transfer can be obtained by contacting Pat Bright at AMI International (Tel: + 1 360 373 2686 or E-mail: pbright@amiinter.com).
PAKISTAN – On 18 June 2011, the fourth F22P class frigate for the Pakistani Navy (PN), PNS Aslat, was launched from Karachi Shipbuilding and Engineering Works (KSEW).
MOROCCO – On 24 June 2011, the French designed FREMM frigate under construction for the Royal Moroccan Navy (MRM) was named Mohammed VI.
MOROCCO – On 24 June 2011, the first OPV 70 class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the MRM, Bir Anzaran, was delivered to the sea service.
OMAN – On 27 June 2011, the third and final Project Khareef corvette for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) was named Al Rasikh (Q 43). The vessel was launched by BAE System’s at the Portsmouth naval base.