European export solutions for highly capable corvettes segment

The Indonesian Navy has been the launch customer for the Damen SIGMA 10514 platform and its combat management system TACTICOS Baseline 2 from Thales Nederland. © Damen

By Luca Peruzzi

The backbone of worldwide capable naval forces has always been centred on frigates and/or corvettes. However most of the navies cannot afford heavier platforms such as highly armed frigates and are looking for smaller ships while maintaining most of the combat capabilities. The wide range of missions to be accomplished, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare with towed arrays, requires medium-size or lighter frigates or heavier corvettes depending on requirements and classification. European shipyards and naval industry are proposing a range of highly capable corvettes for the export market that feature reduced crew but are equipped with ASuW and ASW sensors and weapons, the following not exhaustive analysis covering platforms up to 3,200-3,500 tonnes.

Damen Naval

Based on the experience gained by building seven generations of surface combatants for the Royal Netherlands Navy, Damen developed the Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (SIGMA), which use of modular platform components enables bespoke tailoring of operational capabilities. Inaugurated with the SIGMA 9113 corvette and expanded with the longer SIGMA 10513 platform, the most recent family solution is the SIGMA 10514 also classified as “light frigate”, which has been delivered to Indonesia and

Mexico respectively in two and one ships and recently selected by Colombia. The Damen smart and modular building strategy facilitated the local construction with technology transfer packages to Indonesian (PT PAL) and Mexican (ASTIMAR 20) shipyards, corvettes being built on time and within budget. With a displacement of 2,365 tonnes, a length and beam respectively of 105.11 and 14.02 meters, the SIGMA 10514 for the Indonesian Navy features accommodations for 123 persons and a CODOE (COmbined Diesel Or Electric) propulsion system with two 1,300 kW electric motors and two 10 MW diesel engines on two shafts, ensuring a maximum speed of 28 knots while up to 15 knots can be reached with electric propulsion. Range reaches over 5,000 nm at 14 knots with an endurance of over 20 days at sea. Featuring a stern flight deck for a 10 tonnes helicopter and an hangar for a 6 tonnes rotary wing aircraft, the SIGMA 10514 or Martadinata-class platforms are fitted with a Thales Nederland TACTICOS Baseline 2 combat management system (CMS) controlling a sensors and weapons package including Thales Nederland SMART-S Mk2 air/surface surveillance radar, IFF, STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 radar/EO gun fire control system (FCS), a Thales electronic warfare (EW) suite including RESM (Radar ESM) and RECM (Radar ECM) and two Terma C-Guard decoy launchers, alongside a Thales Kingklip hullmounted sonar. The armament includes a 12cell vertical launching system (VLS) for MBDA MICA VL air defence missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido main gun mount and two Denel Vektor GA-1 20 mm guns, two 4-cell launchers for MBDA MM40 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missiles, an inner-layer defence system (ILDS) based on Rheinmetall Oerlikon Millennium 35 mm revolver gun, and two 3-tube launchers for A-244 lightweight torpedoes (LWT). The Arm Juarez-class SIGMA 10514 for the Mexican Navy differs mainly for a 57 mm BAE Systems Bofors Mk 3 main gun and a 25 mm Mk 38 remotely controlled weapon system (RCWS) together with a RAM-System Mk 49 ILDS for RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) missiles, Thales Nederland Gatekeeper 360° EO surveillance system, RESM/RECM by Indra with Terma C-Guard decoy launchers, eight Boeing RGM84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, a Thales CAPTAS 2 towed array sonar, a hangar for an 11 tonnes helicopter, and fitted for a VLS for Raytheon ESSM missiles and for two 3-tube launchers for LWTs.

German Naval Yards

With a long experience in the design and construction of combatant platforms such as frigates, corvettes and OPVs, German Naval Yards based in Kiel, together with its sister shipyard CMN (Constructions Mécaniques

German Naval Yards together with its sister shipyard French CMN, as part of Privinvest group, is offering the newly developed Seaguard 96 corvette design with a displacement of around 2,000 tonnes and a 96 meters length. © German Naval Yards

de Normandie) in Cherbourg (France), as part of CMN Naval Group, last August presented the newly developed Seaguard 96 corvette design. Capable of conducting a full range of naval operations, the new design hull form was developed from the group’s proven lines with an innovative slender bow section to enhance sea keeping and efficiency. Topsides and superstructures are characterized by a state-of-the-art stealthy and modular design, with an integrated main mast and flush side hull compartments with modular mission payloads. With a length and beam of respectively 96 and 13.4 meters, a displacement of approximately 2,000 tonnes and a CODAD (COmbined Diesel and Diesel) propulsion system based on two diesel engines allowing to reach a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 3,800 nm at 15 knots, the Seaguard 96 corvette is characterized for high automation allowing for a crew core of 60 elements plus 20 augmentees and a stern flight deck with a hangar capable to host an 11 tonnes helicopter. Capable to conduct anti-air and surface warfare missions in operational environments characterized by medium intensity threats, the comprehensive sensors package can include a 3D/4D multifunction radar, IFF interrogator and transponder, radar/EO and EO FCS, RESM/CESM (Communications ESM) and EO sensor/ tracker. The weapon package can include a 76 or 57 mm main gun, two 30 mm RCWSs, a VLS for air defence missiles with up to 16 cells in addition to two twin missile tubes for short air defence, up to eight anti-ship missiles and decoy launchers with optionally a hull mounted sonar and two 3-tube torpedo launchers. While also proposing a 90 meters GPC 90 corvette design together with the CMN sister shipyard in France, the latter is today promoting both the innovative and stealthy 95 meters C Sword 90 and the Combattante BR 71 Mk2 design which is an evolution and upgrade of the Bynunahclass corvette designed and built for UAE Naval Forces. With a 70 meters length and 11 meters beam, the BR 71 Mk 2 is equipped with four diesel engines and four waterjets allowing to reach 30 knots, with a crew of 50 persons and a capable combat and weapon package.

Fincantieri

In mid-September 2022 the first-of-class of respectively four multi-purpose corvettes and two offshore patrol vessels (OPV) built by Fincantieri for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) reached the Gulf country after delivery, the crew having been trained in Italy, boosting the national

With the arrival of the first-of-class Al Zubarah corvette and Musherib OPV, the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces will boost the national maritime capabilities. A total of four corvettes, two OPVs and a large amphibious platform are planned to be delivered by Fincantieri within 2025. © Fincantieri

The capable multirole corvette design by Fincantieri can satisfy a wide range of operational requirements including the most demanding ballistic missile threat. © Giorgio Arra

maritime security capabilities. The followon platforms, also including an underconstruction large amphibious vessel (LPD), are expected to be delivered by 2025. In addition to the shipbuilding, the contract also includes education and training by Italian Navy and industry, as well as inservice and logistic support packages. With a full load displacement of around 3,250 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 107 and 14.7 meters, the new Al Zubarahclass corvettes feature a stealth design with a stern flight deck and hangar capable to accommodate an NHIndustries NFH 90 type helicopter and a CODAD propulsion system with four diesel engines providing a maximum continuous and cruising speed of respectively 28 and 15 knots. Thanks to

The Egyptian Navy Gowind programme saw the construction of the first-of-class vessel in France and the remaining in Egypt at Alexandria Shipyard, under a technology transfer agreement and support by Naval Group. © Marine Nationale

an advanced automated ship management and combat systems provided respectively by Fincantieri NexTech and Leonardo, the new platform is managed by a reduced crew of 98 members plus accommodation for additional 14 personnel. Although few details were provided by Fincantieri and Leonardo, EDR Magazine understood that the new corvette combat system is centered on Leonardo’s ATHENA C Mk2 family CMS and a comprehensive communications suite by Rohde & Schwarz, tactical data links (Link 11, 16, JREAP, Link Y and fitted for Link 22) and SATCOMs. The sensor suite includes Leonardo 3D AESA Grand Kronos Naval multifunction radar, IFF interrogator and transponder, an EO/IR surveillance and tracking suite including two Leonardo SASS (Silent Acquisition & Surveillance System) IRSTs, an Elettronica latest generation RESM/CESM/RECM suite, Lacroix Defence Sylena Mk2 decoy launchers, a Leonardo bow-mounted obstacle and mine avoidance sonar and an anti-torpedo suite including Leonardo Black Snake towed detection array and two dedicated decoy launchers, together with Kelvin Hughes navigation radars, a Leonardo NA-30S Mk 2 dual-band radar-EO/IR and two Medusa Mk4B EO/IR systems for guns fire control. Although no details were released, the powerful MBDA/ Leonardo weapon package includes the MBDA SAAM ESD air defence system with two 8-cell Naval Group A50 VLSs for Aster 30 Block 1 missiles providing, together with Leonardo main radar, an extended coverage against a wide range of threats including tactical ballistic missiles thanks to external cue data. It also includes a Leonardo 76/62 mm Multi-Feeding Super Rapido main gun and an ILDS based on a RAM-System Mk 49 21-cell launcher for RAM missiles, together with two Leonardo Marlin-WS 30 mm RCWSs. The new Fincantieri 107 meters and 2,800 to over 3,000 tonnes multi-purpose corvette design, on which the QENF solution is centered, is being promoted by the Italian group worldwide such as in Greece. Here the FCX 30 customized design differs mainly for an optimized multi-purpose solution including anti-submarine warfare capabilities with a variable depth sonar installation under the stern flight deck and two lateral RHIBs launch and recovery stations (instead of stern and lateral installations) in addition to different equipment and weapons.

Naval Group

Having already attracted international success with Egypt and Malaysia, the

Naval Group is building and outfitting two Gowind type corvettes under the Bani Yas programme for the UAE, with deliveries planned for 2023. © Naval Group

customers’ club of the Gowind corvette family has enlarged with the contract awarded by the United Arabs Emirates to Naval Group in 2019 for the supply of two platforms which are being built and equipped in France, together with logistic support, training and maintenance package, alongside operational training to be provided by the French Navy in the Gulf country. With a length and beam of respectively 102 and 16 meters, a 2,800 tonnes full load displacement, the UAE Bani Yas-class Gowind corvettes feature an overall stealth design and hybrid propulsion plant combining two electric motors for low and silent speed and two 10 MW MTU diesels, capable to reach 26 knots, a stern flight deck and hangar for a 10 tonnes helicopter and UAV, and accommodation for 95 persons, including 65 core-crew and 30 additional personnel. Naval Group introduced for the first time on this vessels design the PSIM (Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module), which incorporates the integrated mast with main sensors as well as the combat information centre with the SETIS CMS and associated technical compartments. EDR Magazine understood that the integrated mast incorporates a Thales Nederland NS100 family surveillance AESA radar under the conical radome, Elettronica RESM and CESM systems, navigation radars and at its basis an HGH Spynel suite with two Spynel-X sensors. The sensors package also features a Thales Nederland STIR 1.2 EO Mk 2 FCS for guns, an anti-submarine sonar suite based on the Thales CAPTAS 2 towed system in addition to Rheinmetall MASS decoy launchers. The armament package includes a 16-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA/MICA NG air defence missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido in the Strales configuration including the guidance antenna system on the turret and DART guided ammunition for anti-ship missile and asymmetric threats defence, an ILDS based on a Mk 49 21-cell launcher for RAM missiles, two 30 mm MSI Defence Systems RCWSs and 8 MBDA MM-40 Block 3 antiship missiles. The Egyptian Navy Gowind platforms, which were acquired in 2014 under a contract including the construction of the first-of-class in France and the remaining three vessels in Egypt at Alexandria Shipyard under technology transfer agreement and support (including the supply of the PSIM equipped module) with Naval Group, differ for a full diesel propulsion system, different accommodations and a less extensive combat and weapon systems package. After a long period of construction stop at Malaysian Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (as prime contractor) due to the pandemic, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence has recently decided to resume activities for the building of the remaining five (out of six) Gowind-type corvettes with a CODAD propulsion system, accommodation for 138 among crew and augmentees, equipped with an extensive combat and weapon package. The Gowind platform was also selected in Romania while in Greece Naval Group is proposing a customized version to fulfil the need of the Hellenic Navy.

Navantia

After being delivered on March 2022, the first-of-class Al Jubail-class corvette for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) built by Navantia arrived at King Faisal naval base in Jeddah in August. Navantia has already delivered the second-of-class corvette and the remaining three platforms are to follow by 2024. In addition to the shipbuilding programme which contract came into force in November 2018 and includes the supply of five corvettes, training, local integrated logistics and life cycle support, Navantia and the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) company created the SAMINavantia joint venture mainly devoted to develop and support new systems locally, starting from the new Hazem CMS. Based on the Navantia AVANTE 2200 design and adapted to RSNF requirements, the new corvettes feature an approximately 2,500 tonnes full load displacement, a length and beam

of respectively 104.2 and 14.4 meters, a CODAD propulsion package based on four 5.9 MW MTU diesel engines on two shafts providing a maximum speed of 27 knots and an operational endurance of 21 days. With accommodations for 102 personnel of which 92 crew core members, Al Jubail-class platforms feature a stern flight deck with hangar capable to accommodate an MH60R helicopter in addition to two RHIBs. The platform and combat systems are respectively based on Navantia IPMS and Minerva integrated bridge suite and Hazem CMS, the first indigenous system based on the Spanish group Catiz solution, and Navantia Hermesys integrated communication suite. The Hazem CMS manages the sensor suite centred on the Leonardo Kronos Naval HP (High Power) multifunction 3D radar, an Indra EW suite including RESM/CESM/RECM/CECM and decoy launchers, a Navantia Dorna Radar/ EO and EO FCSs for guns. The armament package includes a 16-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA air defence missiles, two quadruple launchers for MBDA MM40 Block 3 Exocet anti-ship missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido main gun and a Rheinmetall Oerlikon 35 mm Millennium ILDS, two undisclosed calibre RCWS and two 3-tube LWT launchers. In addition to the Al Jubailclass corvettes design, the Avante Combatant family also includes the 2,100 tonnes and 89 meters AVANTE 1800 platform with a CODAD propulsion system allowing for 25 knots maximum speed, accommodations for 58 personnel and a combat system capable to manage a 57/76 main gun, two 25/30 mm RCWS, a 12-cell VLS for air defence missiles, eight anti-ship missiles, together with a RAM ILDS and a stern flight deck for a 10 tonnes helicopter.

NVL

Last June German shipbuilder NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen), formerly Lürseen Defense, laid the keel of the first of two corvette-size multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy at the local partner shipyard MTG Dolphin in Varna. Under a contract signed in November 2020, delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, while the second will follow a year later. Destined to fulfil tasks in the framework of international NATO and EU

Navantia shipbuilding programme for Saudi Arabia includes the delivery of five Al Jubail-class or customized AVANTE 2200 corvettes together with training, local integrated logistics and life cycle support. © Navantia

Last June, the German shipbuilder NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen) laid the keel of the first of two multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy at the local partner shipyard MTG Dolphin in Varna. © MTG Dolphin

missions enabling the Bulgarian Navy to counter air and land-based threats as well as surface and underwater threats, the MMPV design is derived from the Darussalam- and Arafura-class combatant OPVs. With an about 2,300 tonnes displacement, a length and beam of respectively 90 and 13.5 meters, the MMPV features a stern flight deck and hangar for in service Panther helicopters. The combat system is provided and integrated by Saab that, although no details were delivered but according to images, includes a 3D multifunction radar, one Saab radar/EO FCS and EO controller respectively for a Leonardo 76/62 Super Rapido and a Rheinmetall Oerlikon 35 mm Millennium ILDS, a 16-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA air defence missiles, four anti-ship missiles, smaller guns and decoy launchers.

tkMS

Thanks to the MEKO successful modular platforms design developed by Blohm & Voss and in operation with navies worldwide since the 1980s, the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is today proposing the Meko A-100 (and larger A-200) solution in both corvette and frigate configurations, based on the K 130-class design in service with the German Navy. With a baseline full load displacement of 2,700 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 98.5 and 15 meters, the MEKO A-100 Corvette is proposed with a CODAD propulsion based on two 8 MW diesel engines capable of 25 knots, and accommodation for 100 personnel together with a scalable state-of-the art C3 system that integrates an advanced sensor suite and weapons including up to one 12-cell VLS for air defence missiles, eight anti-ship missiles, ILDS, 57 or 76 mm main gun, RWCS, torpedoes and decoy launchers. The A-100 design in an enlarged solution (called A-100 Light frigate) has been chosen by tkMS for the Brazilian procurement programme which saw the Águas Azuis joint venture, composed of tkMS, Embraer Defense and Security and Atech shipyard, to be selected and win the

contract to build locally from last September, thanks to a technology transfer package, four new platforms (in the meantime reclassified as Tamandaré-class frigates) with option for additional two ships. With a full load displacement of around 3,500 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 107.2 and 16 meters, the new platforms feature a stern flight deck and hangar for Sikorsky S-70 and Eurocopter EC725 helicopters and a CODAD propulsion system based on four 5,5 MWeach MAN 12V 28/33D STC diesel engines ensuring a maximum speed of 25.5 knots and 5,000 nm endurance at economical speed. With accommodation for 136 personnel, the new platforms will be equipped with an Atlas Elektronik ANCS CMS and L3 Mapps IPMS, an Hensoldt TRS-4D AESA radar, a Thales STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 FCS, two Safran PASEO XLR optronic systems, an Omnisys MAGE MB/Defensor Mk3 RESM and Rohde & Schwarz CESM, Raytheon navigation radars and an Atlas Elektronik ASO 173 bow-mounted sonar. The weapon package includes a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido, a Rheinmetall 30 mm Sea Snake and smaller calibre RCWS, two 6-cell MBDA Sea Ceptor air defence and four MANSUP anti-ship missiles, two SEA LWT torpedo launchers and Terma C-Guard decoy launchers.

In July 2021, the last two of four Sa’ar 6 corvettes built under design by tkMS in a joint venture with German Naval Yards Kiel were delivered to the Israeli Navy. With a full load displacement of approximately 2,400 tonnes, a length and beam of around 90 and 13 meters, the new corvettes feature a stealth design with a stern flight deck and hangar capable to accept an SH-60 helicopter and UAVs, and accommodations for 100 personnel of which 80 crew members. Forming the future backbone of the Israeli Navy and equipped with systems and weapons mainly provided by Israeli industries, the combat system is based on Elbit Systems’ CMS which manages

The A-100 design in an enlarged solution (called A-100 Light frigate) has been chosen by tkMS for the Brazilian programme, which sees the Águas Azuis consortium to build four new Tamandaré-class platforms with option for additional two ships. © Águas Azuis consortium

In July 2021, the last two of four Sa’ar 6 corvettes built under design by tkMS in a joint venture with German Naval Yards Kiel were delivered to the Israeli Navy. These platforms feature a combat and weapon system package provided by the Israeli industry. © Rafael

a sensors and weapons suite including the Elta EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar with four fixed faces, Elbit Systems EW suite with Deseaver decoy launchers, a IAI Barak 8/ MX long-range air defence missile system, Rafael C-Dome short air defence system, up to 16 IAI Gabriel V anti-ship missiles, a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido, two Rafael Typhoon RCWSs and LWT launchers.

Turkish shipbuilders

Developed and equipped by the Turkish MoD and industry, in addition to the four Ada-class ships and the larger derived platform (I-class frigates) for the Turkish Navy, the MILGEM corvette design found success on the international market having been acquired by Pakistan and Ukraine. In June 2020, AFSAT (Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane İşletme, Military Factory and Shipyard Management) received a contract from Pakistan for the procurement of four customized MILGENclass ships, two of which are being built and outfitted in Turkey and two in Pakistan under a technology transfer package. With a displacement of almost 3,000 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 108.2 and 14.8 meters and a CODAG propulsion package based on two MTU 16V595 diesel engines and a General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine capable to ensure 26+ knots top speed, and a stern helicopter flight deck plus hangar for one 11 tonnes helicopter, the Pakistan MILGEN known as Babur-class corvettes have a combat system based on the Havelsan Advent CMS, and MilSOFT Naval Information Exchange System C4I with data links. The sensor suite consists of an Aselsan/ Thales SMART-S Mk 2 air surveillance radar, an ALPER LPI (low probability of intercept) air/surface radar and Aselsan AKREP (AKR-D) FCS, the ARES-2NC RESM, a SeaEye-AHTAPOT EO surveillance and PIRI IRST, alongside the Meteksan Yakamos hull-mounted sonar. The armament includes two 6-cell VLS for the CAMM ER as part of the MBDA Albatros NG missile air defence system, a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido, an Aselsan Roketsan 35 mm twin gun Gokdeniz ILDS, two 3-cell launchers for Harbah anti-ship missiles, two Aselsan STOP 25 mm RCWS and an Aselsan HIZIR torpedo

countermeasure system. Turkish industry and RMK Marine shipyard are building and equipping two Ada corvettes for the Ukrainian Government of which the first-ofclass Hetman Ivan Mazepa was launched in October 2022. No official data were released about the combat system; according to Ukrainian media, it would be equipped with MBDA VL MICA air defence and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido, Rheinmetall Oerlikon Millennium 35 mm ILDS and Aselsan 12.7 mm STAMP RCWSs, alongside LWT launchers.

In August 2021, the Turkmenistan Navy commissioned into service the Deniz Han corvette. Built by the Turkish Gulhan & Dearsan joint venture in Turkmenistan, the new C92 design platform has a displacement of around 1,600 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 91.4 and 14.4 meters, and is powered by four MAN 18VP185 diesel engines providing a top speed of 26 knots and a range of 3,000 nm at economical speed. With a crew of 100, the new corvette has a Leonardo combat management system centred on an ATHENA C Mk2 family CMS, although the company does not confirm. The sensor suite provided mostly by Leonardo includes a Kronos Naval HP 3D multifunction radar, two Leonardo SASS IRST and NA-30S Mk2 EO/ IR FCS and the Aselsan ILDS FCS, Elettronica RESM/RECM and Lacroix Sylena Mk 2 decoy launchers, a hull-mounted sonar, and torpedo countermeasure systems. The armament package consists of a Leonardo 76/62 mm Super Rapido and a Roketsan Gokdeniz ILDS, in addition to two 8-cell VLS for MBDA VL MICA and eight MBDA Otomat Mk2/A antiship missiles, two 25 mm Aselsan STOP and two 12.7 mm Aselsan STAMP RCWSs and launchers for lightweight torpedoes.

In June 2020 AFSAT received a contract from Pakistan for the procurement of four customized MILGEN-class ships, two of which are being built and outfitted in Turkey and two in Pakistan. © Luca Peruzzi

Built by the Turkish Gulhan & Dearsan joint venture in Turkmenistan, the new Deniz Han corvette is equipped with a combat and weapon package mainly provided by Leonardo and MBDA. © Luca Peruzzi