Mon séjour en Afrique du Sud (Cape Town)

The South African Navy (SAN) is engaged in a fleet renewal programme that will change the nature of the SAN from a Navy focussed on its own waters to one with real regional capability. Two major acquisition projects (patrol corvettes and submarines) are well in hand, together with the related SA Air Force acquisition of SUPER LYNX helicopters, and two further major projects (landing platforms and patrol vessels) are in their early stages. Assuming that the latter will be funded, the SAN will have totally renewed its fleet and reshaped its capabilities by 2020.

FROM COASTAL NAVY TO REGIONAL NAVY

The rejuvenation of the fleet is coming just in time - in fact perhaps even a little late - to enable the SAN to meet the growing regional role of South Africa's armed forces. This regional engagement grows out of the government's conviction that South Africa needs a stable region around it if its own economy is to grow and prosper, and is also a result of expectations in Africa and in the wider world that South Africa should play a major role on the continent.

Thus South Africa has contingents with the African Union or United Nations forces in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Darfur region of Sudan, provided troops to secure the recent elections in the Comores, and has staff officers deployed in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Cote d'Ivoire. While the SAN has not yet been heavily involved, it has deployed five patrol craft on Lake Tanganyika for the UN Mission in Burundi, has officers and ratings serving in Côte d'Ivoire and the DRC, and had personnel with the SANDF contingent in the Comores. The SAN also regularly participates in peace support exercises, and has initiated regional and continental naval symposia focussed on maritime co-operation and co-ordination to improve security in African waters.

The SAN has also assisted Namibia by arresting vessels fishing illegally in its waters, and Mozambique with a survey of its maritime borders, is helping with diver training for other Navies and has opened its training establishments to other African Navies. Its support ships have transported relief supplies to countries in Africa and elsewhere.

The growing problem of piracy, the expansion of the offshore oil and gas industry in African waters, and the potential for maritime terrorism all argue for a growing focus on littoral security. That will require the larger African Navies to assist their smaller counterparts, and that was specifically addressed at the Seapower Symposia in South Africa and Nigeria in 2005 and 2006. The latter passed a resolution to establish four regional maritime standby forces as part of the African Union Standby Force.

There will also be a requirement to deploy and support ground and air forces by sea in the course of peace support operations, as done by the Nigerian-led ECOMOG forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The role of Africa's Navies is, thus, likely to expand quite dramatically to include maritime constabulary and peace support operations in sub-Saharan waters. Centrally located and backed by the largest and only industrialised economy south of the Sahara, the SAN will be expected to play a key role.

FLEET RENEWAL

The first of the current projects, the acquisition of four MEKO* A200 patrol corvettes, is nearing completion, and will restore the 'blue water' capability that the SAN lost with the phasing out of its last Type 12 frigates in 1985. The second of the current projects is the acquisition of three Type 209 submarines to replace three "Daphne" class boats in service from 1970/71 to 2003.

Looking forward, the SAN is contemplating the acquisition of landing platforms able to deploy an SA Army battalion group in a single lift, and a class of up to ten 'Multi-Mission Offshore Patrol Vessels' (MOPVs) that will be able to deploy in support of other African Navies when requested. The sole combat support ship SAS "Drakensberg" is undergoing her mid-life refit, extending her service beyond 2020, after which she will be replaced to ensure that the SAN can conduct sustained operations away from its bases.

THE PATROL CORVETTES

The four MEKO" A200 patrol corvettes will entirely change the nature of South Africa's Navy, giving it true 'blue water' and regional capability for the first time since 1985, enabling it to play an effective role in support of Africa's smaller Navies. These ships were ordered in 1999 under a EUR924M contract, and are all in South Africa. The first two, SAS "Amatola" and "Isandlwana", have been fitted with their combat systems and formally commissioned. The third and fourth, "Spioenkop" and "Mendi", are being fitted out in Simon's Town and will both have joined the fleet by mid-2007. 2007 will also see the first of four AgustaWestland SUPER LYNX delivered to the SA Air Force for operation from the patrol corvettes (see figure 2).

The MEKO® A200 is a 121m 3,590 ton ship with a unique CODAG-WARP propulsion system comprising two diesel engines driving 'refined propellers' and a gas turbine driving a centreline waterjet. The ship has a range of better than 8,000nm at 20 knots and an endurance of 28 days, suiting it admirably tor operations in the large sea areas involved, and a maximum speed of about 30 knots. The hull form has already proved itself exceptionally sea-kindly in the demanding seas around South Africa, allowing the ships to conduct operations when others might have to focus on avoiding damage.

The internal design has been optimised for extended patrols, with attention being paid to comfortable accommodation, messing and recreation spaces. The accommodation will probably be adapted to allow for an expanded complement for extended patrols, where lean manning is likely to prove impractical. The fully enclosed forecastle and quarterdeck simplify maintenance of deck machinery at sea, and will also enable these ships to accommodate large numbers of survivors or refugees. A large sickbay has also been provided, partly with an eye to this role.

The ship's survivability concept has several components: Signature reduction, armour protection for key compartments, propulsion redundancy and rigorous subdivision into self-contained compartments.

The key signature reduction elements of the design are the 'X shape' of the hull and superstructure, to reduce radar signature; the elimination of the funnel and the cooling of the exhaust gases to reduce the thermal (IR) signature; and careful hull-shaping, machinery mounting and refined propeller design to reduce acoustic signature.

The propulsion system provides for the diesel component and the gas turbine/waterjet component to be entirely independent of each other. All machinery, including the two widely separated generator rooms are also concentrated in the aft one-third of the hull, which had been calculated to considerably reduce vulnerability when compared to a typical mid-ships 'centre of mass' location.

The damage control (DC) system is based on two DC zones comprising eleven independent compartments with their own air conditioning, switchboards, fire-fighting equipment and pumps. There are no large bulkhead penetrations below the damage control deck.

The combat management system centres on a THALES TAVlTAC NT software kernel that has been adapted to the SAN's requirements and married to an operator interface that has been developed in South Africa by the THALES-owned African Defence Systems.

The ship's sensor suite comprises a THALES NCS MRR surveillance radar, with a TSA 1015 IFF LORAD interrogator and Tellumat PT-2000A IFF transponder; two Reutech Radar Systems NTS 6400 radar/optronic (forward) and optronic (aft) trackers; two M-Tek target designation sights; a THALES Marconi KINGKLIP hull sonar with 'wet-end' elements developed and manufactured by Mattek in South Africa; Signaal helicopter control and navigation radars; and an EW suite developed in South Africa by SAAB Avitronics. The latter comprises communications and radar intercept systems, an active jamming system and a rocket decoy system with two trainable multiple rocket launchers.

The ship's initial weapons fit comprises eight EXOCET MM40 SSMs; a 16-cell VLS SAM system for the Kentron UMK-HONTOIR SAM, which also has an antisurface capability; an OTO Melara 76mm Compatto, with a Reutech electric gun and turret drive; a Denel twin 35mm dual-purpose gun (DPG); and two 20mm cannon. Each ship will also be fitted with two or four Reutech ROGUE remotely-controlled 12.7mm mountings for close-in defence, as well as stanchion mountings for hand-operated machineguns. The hangar can house two SUPER LYNX or one medium helicopter.

The UMKHONTO programme has proved exceptionally successful: Eight consecutive launches of production missiles have produced eight intercepts, including two direct hit 'kinetic kills' by telemetry rounds (see figure 3). The planned upgrade path is extensive, as befits the expected service life of well over twenty years:

* Sensors: Upgrading both trackers to radar/optronic trackers with dual thermal imagers; a more capable helicopter control radar; variable depth sonar; dipping sonar for the helicopter; a shipboard UAV system.

* Weapons: New-generation SSMs with land attack capability; a 155mm or 127mm gun; fitting the full 32 cell VLS system, including the longer-range active radar-guided UMK-HONTO-R missile: AHEAD ammunition for the 35mm DPG; an anti-surface missile for the SUPER LYNX, probably the Denel 10,000m range laser-marked target seeking MOKOPA; lightweight torpedoes for both ship and SUPER LYNX.

* ESM/ECM: Laser warning system; a second jammer pedestal; interferometric direction finding; DRFM jammer; an active off-board decoy system; a floating decoy system; a jammer for the shipboard helicopter.

The first of class, SAS "Amatola", participated very creditably in the combined/joint South African/German Exercise GOOD HOPE 11, thoroughly confirming the wisdom of choosing a large hull and demonstrating its suitability in South African waters. SAS "Isandlwana" is scheduled to deploy to South America later in the year to participate in the bi-annual Exercise ATLASUR with the Argentine, Brazilian and Uruguayan Navies. From 2007 onwards, these ships are likely to see frequent deployment in African waters, for exercises and to conduct patrols to suppress piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing. Internally, the advent of these ships will also dramatically change the technological basis of the SAN, bringing new technologies into the fleet, including surface-to-air missiles, purpose-built shipboard helicopters, gas turbines and waterjet propulsion.

THE TYPE 209-1400 SAN SUBMARINES

The primary roles of the submarines will be to deter foreign naval adventures in South African and regional waters, and to conduct strategic surveillance and reconnaissance. They may also be employed to provide discrete support for constabulary missions, the SAN having previously used a "Daphne" class submarine to track a ship suspected of carrying narcotics. In the regional context the Type 209's range (11,000nm), endurance (45 days) and speed (21.5 knots) will give it capabilities far in excess of the "Daphne" class it replaces. It is, however, larger and not as agile, which will require the development of adapted tactics.

The Type 209 submarines were ordered in 1999 from the German Submarine Consortium under a EUR748M contract that includes control room and operations room simulators. The first boat, SAS "Manthatisi", arrived in Simon's Town on April 7"1, 2006 after a 49-day delivery voyage (see figure 4). She is set to commence with an extended operational work-up in South African waters later this year. The other two boats will follow in the course of this year and 2007.

The SAN variant of the Type 209 (Type 209-1400 SAN) is a recent variant of the well-proven 209 design, and incorporates some technologies from the Type 214. It is a deep-diving attack submarine able to launch torpedoes and anti-ship missiles from eight 533mm tubes (space for six reloads), to lay mines, and to deploy and recover divers while submerged. 62m long and 6.2m in beam the boat displaces 1,568 tons submerged and 1,466 tons on the surface. Its propulsion system comprises four MTU V-12 diesels and a Siemens electric motor driving a seven-bladed propeller.

The fully integrated ISUS-90 combat system is a further development of that in the Type 214. The sensor suite comprises a comprehensive CSU-90-45 sonar suite, Zeiss optronic mast and conventional attack periscope, and a Saab Avitronics ESM system developed in South Africa, elements of which have also been selected by several other Navies for 209 and 214 boats. Key elements of the optronic mast and attack periscope were developed in South Africa by Denel. The combat system provides automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes, and can simultaneously track "a large number of targets" and engage "several surface and deep submerged targets".

SAS "DRAKENSBERG"

The combat support ship SAS "Drakensberg" was built in Durban and commissioned on October 11th, 1987. She was planned as a fast underway replenishment ship to support the Type 12 frigates, but was only launched after the last frigate had been retired. She was then redesigned to give her a more general operational support capability. She has also served as a logistic support ship, and has proved very valuable in the emergency relief and naval diplomacy roles (see figure 5).

SAS "Drakensberg" is receiving her last major refit, which is focussed on ensuring her utility until her replacement after 2020. The refit is focussed on four areas:

* Upgrading platform and engine management systems and related equipment.

* Upgrading and refurbishing the accommodation and the related systems.

* Improving her general operational support capability, including the provision of dedicated stowage spaces.

* Providing underway alongside replenishment capability. The SAN is looking at several options as alternatives to a classic RAS system, which could present stability problems.

The 147m long ship has a full load displacement of 12,500 tons, and can carry 5,500 tons of fuel and 750 tons of dry cargo. She has a hangar for two medium helicopters and is fitted to launch light landing craft. She has a maximum speed of better than 20 knots and an endurance of three months.

LOOKING FORWARD

The priority project following the patrol corvettes and submarines is the acquisition of strategic support ships. Their primary role will be to transport, land and support an Army battalion group in the context of a peace support operation. Given the scarcity of suitable harbours along the African coast, and the risk of a harbour not immediately being safely available, these ships will have the ability to land troops and equipment by means of helicopters and landing craft.

With an eye to effective helicopter operations and the use of reconnaissance UAVs, also in the context of" rescue or relief missions, these ships will have a full flight deck and a substantial hangar. A dock well will allow operation of landing craft of various types, as well as the deployment and support of inshore craft of various types. When it is possible to go alongside, vehicles will be discharged by means of a Ro-Ro ramp.

The ships are also, however, envisaged as true multi-mission ships rather than us pure landing platforms. Hence the designation as strategic support ships. Among the other roles will be those of task group or task force flagship and support ship, command and support ship for inshore forces, secure negotiation venue for peace support missions (a role played by the SAN's logistic support ship SAS "Outeniqua" during the first civil war in Zaire), logistic support for deployed forces, and disaster and emergency relief missions of all kinds, ranging from the delivery of relief supplies to the conduct and co-ordination of complex rescue or evacuation missions.

The same multi-mission concept has been adopted for the envisaged class of offshore patrol vessels, the multi-mission offshore patrol vessel (MOPV). This is envisaged as a relatively simple ship of around 80m, optimised for patrolling South Africa's mainland EEZ and providing coastal patrol support to other African Navies, but with the inherent flexibility to allow ready configuration for other roles. Those will include mine countermeasures operations using off-board systems, submarine rescue, diving operations support and torpedo recovery. Their small size will also allow them to be used to deploy medical or other assistance teams into small harbours.

The MOPV will have a simple sensor and weapons fit, with a light gun controlled by an optronic tracker, a number of cannon or machineguns and perhaps a light missile system. The option of fitting surplus 76mm guns taken out of the strike craft is being considered. The ability to operate a helicopter is considered essential in the light of the large patrol areas, and ship will have a hangar for a light helicopter and a flight deck able to accept a medium helicopter.

While the original concept was for a modular ship/system design concept, the SAN now leans more to a simpler design that stresses inherent flexibility without the complexity of modular systems. That is also in line with the wider concept of making ships of this class available to other African Navies as a patrol vessel.

A project that is currently in the early concept stage is the acquisition of a class of inshore patrol vessels. These will be small and simple vessels but somewhat larger than the present 22m T-craft, which have proved too small to be fully effective.

LIGHT FORCES

The SAN's analysis of its future regional responsibilities and the potential asymmetric threats inherent in constabulary, peace enforcement and stabilisation operations, led to the reactivation of its Operational Boat Squadron and then to the formation of a Naval Rapid Deployment Force.

The Operational Boat Squadron operates all of the SAN's small craft, including the 26 "Namacurra" class 9m harbour patrol boats (see figure 6) and the six "Lima" class light landing craft. It has the responsibility for providing a "deployable small boat capability" for inshore, lake and riverine operations, for seaward protection of SAN ships, and for the conduct of ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore operations. Its boats will be deployed with at least the designated coxswain or preferably a full crew. The SAN is currently investigating the acquisition of a number of boats optimised for riverine operations for the OBS.

The Rapid Deployment Force will provide ship's security parties, boarding parties for opposed boarding operations, armed parties to conduct search and seizure operations during inland water patrols by the OBS, and armed landing parties for small ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore operations. It will also have the task of establishing a small forward base for inshore or inland water operations. It will work as part of a naval task group or together with an SA Army battalion.

STRIKE CRAFT AND MINE-HUNTERS

The four remaining "Warrior" class (Israeli "Reshev" class) strike craft are the last of nine built between 1977 and 1986. They saw extensive service in roles never foreseen by their designers, including open ocean patrols and long-distance insertion/extraction operations. Naval diplomacy missions and international exercises saw strike craft deploy as far afield as South America and Taiwan. Six of the boats received an extensive combat system upgrade in the later 1980s, but the strains of extensive service in often rough seas have taken their toll and all are to be retired soon. The MOPVs will replace them in their coastal patrol role.

The four "River" class coastal mine-hunters were acquired in 1981 (two from A & R and two from Sandock Austral SY Durban) and will also be retired quite soon, in part because their early Voith-Schneider propulsion systems is becoming difficult to maintain and support.

Their retirement will coincide with a shift in the mine-countermeasures philosophy of the SAN. The MCM focus will in future be on off-board systems, some deployed by MOPVs tasked for MCM, others embarked aboard the patrol corvettes to enable them to ensure their own safe passage in some circumstances, and some deployed by air to clear the approaches to a harbour before ships attempt to enter. To this end Armscor's Institute of Maritime Technology is engaged in a technology demonstrator/evaluation project centred on a UUV developed in-house as a platform on which to test various sensors and other equipment.

Six "Lindau" class (351) mine-sweepers (see figure 9) were acquired from the German Navy in 2001 to be used for sea-training, the other two serving as a source of spares. They are likely to be disposed of in the near future.

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY

The "Hecla" class hydrographic survey vessel SAS "Protea" entered service in 1972 and underwent a major refit and re-engining in 1995-96. She has just completed another refit and is likely to remain in service beyond 2010.

The original concept was for one or two MOPVs to be fitted for this role, but current thinking is to acquire a purpose-designed ship. This is likely to be a ship of 80 - 90m, and will have a flight deck and hangar for at least a light utility helicopter. It will also be designed from the outset to be suited to employment in a range of other roles.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Navy's shore structure centres on the Simon's Town Naval Base and Dockyard, and Naval Stations at Durban and Port Elizabeth. The Simon's Town base is currently being upgraded to provide effective support to the new ships, and has already received new workboats to handle the submarines inside the harbour. The sensor and weapons analysis facilities and signature measuring facilities at Simon's Town are also being upgraded, and a missile support centre has been established to cater for the UMKHONTO SAM. A submarine simulator centre for the Type 209-1400 SAN and a combat team trainer for the patrol corvettes have also been established within the fleet's training system.

CONCLUSION

The rejuvenation and refocusing of the South African Navy is set to give South Africa a Navy able to protect its maritime assets and its national interests. Assuming it is fully funded, it will also result in a Navy that can support other African Navies in the South Atlantic and in the Indian Ocean, helping sub-Saharan Africa to deal effectively with maritime security threats, and that can support regional peace initiatives. The renewed blue water capability (see figure 7) will also greatly enhance the South African Navy's potential as a partner for maritime security in three of the great southern oceans. South Africa will finally have a navy that matches its position as a regional power and a major maritime trading nation.

Two major acquisition projects (patrol corvettes and submarines) are well in hand, together with the related SA Air Force acquisition of SUPER LYNX helicopters, and two further major projects (landing platforms and patrol vessels) are in their early stages. The MEKO® A200 is a 121m 3,590 ton ship with a unique CODAG-WARP propulsion system comprising two diesel engines driving 'refined propellers' and a gas turbine driving a centreline waterjet.