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2015-08-01

NAVAL COMBAT SYSTEMS UPGRADES

Naval Combat Systems include weapon, sensor, communications and EW systems and can constitute well over 50 per cent by value of the cost of warships and submarines. The market for naval surface-to-air missile systems and naval air surveillance and tracking radars, for example, is forecast to exceed $10 billion over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the market for naval sensors is forecast at over $20 billion in the next decade. These sensors include electro-optical/infra-red systems.

Nation Shield will be highlighting the requirements and latest technological breakthrough in the field of Naval Combat Systems in a two part series...

Relatively few navies have so far embraced the infra-red search and track (IRST) as a part of their above-water sensor mix. However, two factors – one technological, the other operational – are now rebalancing the equation. First, technology is witnessing a step change with the emergence of a new generation of IRSTs using distributed sensor apertures to overcome ship-fitting constraints and provide uninterrupted omnidirectional surveillance, wide elevation coverage and rapid data refresh.

Australia

The Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC (a ship class of frigates) upgrade programme has benefited from a series of incremental update packages.

Anzacs are long-range escorts with roles including air defence, anti submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The ships are capable of countering simultaneous threats from the air, surface and sub-surface.
Powered by a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion plant permits speeds in excess of 27 knots with an operational range of more than 6000 nautical miles.

Each Anzac frigate is fitted with an advanced package of air surveillance radars, omni-directional hull mounted sonar and electronic support systems which interface with a state-of-the-art combat data system.

The ships’ main armament comprises one five inch (127 mm) gun capable of firing 20 rounds per minute, ship launched torpedo and a MK 41 vertical launch system for the Sea Sparrow point defence missile.

The Anzac Class can embark a multi-role Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk helicopter to enhance anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and Search and Rescue capabilities. Embarkation of a helicopter also provides the ship with the capability to deliver air-launched torpedoes.

One of the most important upgrades has involved the fitting of the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), which offers improved kinematic performance and a significantly expanded engagement envelope. In addition, under Project SEA 1348 Phase 3A, all eight ANZAC ships have received the RGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile.

Other changes have included the introduction of the Nulka active missile decoy system (each ANZAC ship has received four quad launchers). An ESM upgrade is bringing Sceptre-A up to a replacement standard known as Centaur; introduction of a multilink capability (adding Link 16 and Variable Message Format datalink capabilities alongside Link 11), and the replacement of the Mk 46 Mod 5 lightweight torpedo with the Eurotorp MU90 Impact torpedo under Joint Project 2070/Project Djimindi.

The ASMD programme, under the umbrella Project SEA 1448 Phase 2, provides a robust area air-defence capability to defeat the latest generation of anti-ship missiles.

Also introduced under SEA 1448 Phase 2B is a new navigation radar system based on two Kelvin Hughes SharpEye I-band radars.

There are also aspirations to provide the class with a Long Range Persistent Subsurface Detection Capability under Project SEA 1100 Phase 4. Intended to provide an enhanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, SEA 100 Phase 4 projects an ability to employ a towed-array sonar.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with MBDA for the procurement of the Sea Ceptor anti-air guided weapon system to satisfy the Local Area Air Defence component of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s ANZAC Frigate Systems upgrade project.

Compared with the Australian ANZAC Frigates, the RNZN’s 2 vessels have been the subject of only modest combat system upgrades. Examples include the installation of the Phalanx close-in weapon system and the addition of the Mini-Typhoon/Toplite package for force protection against asymmetric threats.

The Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) project covers the upgrade of the surveillance, combat and self-defence capabilities of the New Zealand ANZAC frigates. Integral to the upgraded frigates’ combat system will be a new Lockheed Martin Canada CMS known as CMS 330.

Philippines

The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning further upgrades for its two ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters, including upgrades for navigation, propulsion, communication, surveillance, and weapon systems.

The PN is also planning to fit the vessels with an anti-submarine warfare capability and surface-to-surface missiles, although funding limitations may determine the full extent of the modernisation programme.

AAW Upgrades for 2 Frigates were included in the 2013 budget. Six AAW Frigates are included in the 15 year plan.

Peru
The navy is looking for a new, frigate-type platform of around 4,500 tons in size. As yet, though, there is no clear time frame for the delivery of any such programme; as a result, the naval staff is assessing second-hand options to provide an intermediate solution.

The build of 12 Plataforma Itinerante de Acción Social con Sostenibilidad (PIASS) units is well under way. The lead vessel, BAP Rio Napo , was commissioned in May 2013. Three more units will be delivered in 2015, with all 12 scheduled to be in service by 2018. The coastguard is receiving other new assets. Having accepted the frigate BAP San Martin (ex- BAP Carvajal ) from the MGP in November 2013, the end of 2015 will see the delivery of BAP Villavisencio. The South Korean Navy confirmed the transfer of at least one Po Hang-class corvette during 2016.

It is also projected that the coastguard will pursue the build of at least two 1,800-ton OPVs, 24 coastal patrol craft, 11 hydrojet-powered patrol craft, and up to 10 fast interceptor craft (similar to the Archangel class).

The naval air arm is also in line to receive new capability. These additions are beginning with the receipt of five SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters, replacing its ageing AB-212s. In addition, two more Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft have been transferred from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

Germany

The Phase III Upgrade (2012-2016) of the four Brandenburg Class Frigates includes an improved AAW capability incorporating the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). Germany may become the first European nation to embark on integrating the Raytheon Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) onto its naval vessels.

The Ship Infra-Red Monitoring, Observation and Navigation Equipment (Simone) is being delivered for the F.125 Frigates of the German Navy.

United Kingdom

The Daring class destroyer, HMS Daring, has begun a capability upgrade in Portsmouth, during which it will be the first of four of the six Daring-class ships to receive 2 quadruple Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers recycled from decommissioned RN Type 22 frigates. A Type 45 BMD capability upgrade is also planned.

The Future Local Area Air Defence System - Sea Ceptor, is under development. It will be fitted on the planned Type 26 frigates.

EW Requirements include: the increased digitisation of RESM equipment; the need for advanced RF, IR and EO countermeasures; and a desire to integrate various soft-kill components under software control.

The Accolade technology demonstration programme, is a joint UK/France effort for the development of a new, active radar frequency decoy. The demonstration concluded in 2014.

Maritime Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (Midas): this programme has been superceded in the U.K. by the DAS-SS programme - the current fixed, 6-barrel decoy launchers would also be replaced with a new generation launcher.

Under ELOPE project, Thales UK in Belfast was contracted to investigate a future EO/laser countermeasure. ELOPE is intended to de-risk technologies for a future Midas increment.

DAS-SS - the Type 23 is expected to get the new decoy launcher and the decoys that will emerge from the various MIDAS-related work streams.

Colombia

The Colombian Navy’s Almirante Padilla-class frigate upgrade programme includes installation of a Smart-S Mk 2 3D surveillance radar, Sting-EO Mk 2 radar/EO system, Mirador EO fire control system, VIGILE 200S electronic warfare system, SKWS communications systems, and Terma decoy launchers.

Thales has also upgraded the Altesse intelligence/communication system on the four frigates of the class.

The Colombian Navy commissioned its second 1,723-tonne 20 De Julio-class ocean patrol vessel recently, the seven De Agosto which is armed with twin 40 mm guns, a 20 mm gun, and two .50 cal remote weapon stations.

The Colombian Navy expects to buy a six OPV 80s by 2019, and unconfirmed reports suggest that the navy is undertaking studies to equip its future OPVs with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.

Indonesia

The Indonesian Navy has fitted two of its KCR-40-class anti-ship missile craft with the AK-630 close-in weapon systems. Based on its performance on Clurit and Kujang, the AK-630 may be mounted on the other TNI-AL KCR-40-class missile craft.

The Indonesian Navy’s new Klewang-class missile patrol craft will incorporate a radar with wider coverage, missiles with longer range and a new composite material hull, compared to the class’ original design.

The trimaran will also include Saab’s new Sea Giraffe 1X 3D compact radar and be armed with fourRBS15 Mk3 surface-to surface missiles.

The ship’s radar and weapons will be managed via a Saab 9LV Mk4 combat management system which includes the CEROS 200 air defence fire control director.

The Indonesian Navy will equip four Ahmad Yani (Van Speijk)-class guided missile frigates and one Kapitan Pattimura (Parchin I)-class corvette with low-probability-of-intercept radars. Up to 20 locally built 2,400 tonne frigates are planned to be acquired, based on the SIGMA 10514 design, from 2017. These will be fitted with anti-air missiles.

Canada

The purchase of four landing ships docks built to Canadian commercial design, gave Canada the strategic lift it needed to support the Army’s amphibious, expeditionary focus and complement the Air Forces’ equally brave decision to concentrate assets in air transport and support helicopters.

Within 10 years an army battle-group with full combat and helicopter support could be deployed from sea, a move that catapulted Canada into the premier division of amphibious operations and at a stroke saved the Canadian ship-building industry for a generation.

These ships are able to accept containerised stores or munitions as well as a specially constructed deployable command and control suite for the embarked military force. The Chinook (CH-47)/Osprey (V-22) capable flight deck and hangar facilities shows the foresight of Canadian Navy.

The Joint Support Ship (JSS) have proved to be an exceptional investment. They have served Canadian defence interests for nearly two decades, recently emerging from a mid-life upgrade which saw the fitting of landing craft davits and emergency transit accommodation.

The new air independent propulsion submarines procured as a joint venture with Australia have already been used operationally, their third generation cruise missiles being used as part of recent NATO operations to counter illegal Colombian narcotics operations in West Africa.

The Navy has 10 high-end frigates for surface combat. These are fully equipped general purpose escorts, which represent the very latest technology and automation. With the latest in anti-ballistic missile technology they routinely join their US colleagues as part of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) defensive posture in protecting the homeland from rogue nuclear states•

Ref/Photo credit:

Naval Forces of UK, Germany Philippines,Peru, New Zealand, Australia

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