Naval Forces Introduction
As of 1997 five strike craft were maintained in the operations cycle (three in Durban and two in Simon's Town). A sixth strike craft was involved in contractor trials. Three strike craft were in refit or reserve. Only one submarine remained in commission in 1997, and continued with trials on a new combat suite. A part of the system was proofed during a successful combat torpedo firing at a stationary target. A second submarine could not be maintained in the operational cycle due to the inability of the dockyard to complete the refit on schedule. Four mine countermeasures vessels (MCMSs) (three mine hunters and one minesweeper) were maintained in the cycle. One of the hunters reverted to Class B Commission due to personnel shortages. Of the remaining MCVMs, the fourth mine hunter was in reserve, one minesweeper was undergoing refit and the other two were awaiting refit. The Torpedo Recovery Vessel completed a minor refit and is presently operational. The combat support ships, SAS DRAKENSBERG and SAS OUTENIQUA, were maintained in the operations cycle. SAS OUTENIQUA was undergoing a further stage of upgrade under Project ETNA.
The 1998 Defence Review Option 1 force design objectives are reflected in the cardinal projects and long-term planning. The SA Navy is working towards achieving the approved force design within the time period dictated by the financial guidelines. The primary objectives are the acquisition of four patrol corvettes and the retention of submarine capability. Further capital projects will be launched to replace aging vessels as they reach the end of their operational life. The navy's plans for upgrading and expansion include the purchase of four corvette hulls, to be fitted with a locally manufactured combat system. The navy had planned to acquire six 800- to 1200-ton strike craft by the year 2003 and four new submarines by the year 2005, and has considered the decommissioning of its nine well-worn Minister-class missile craft.
Frigates or corvettes are the workhorses of any navy. They are capable of countering aircraft, submarines and other surface vessels and can conduct sustained operations in sea conditions like those off the South African coast. They will patrol to the outer layer of about 200 nautical miles (370 kms) from the coast. Such ships, as a rule, carry helicopters which significantly improve and extend their defence capabilities. The SA Navy has no ships in this class, having lost its destroyers and frigates between the mid-1970s and late 1980s. Option 1 includes four corvettes.
Submarines have built-in stealth, mobility, firepower, endurance and an ability to control their visibility that present significant problems for hostile naval forces. They patrol throughout the outer and inner layers of defence, providing early warning and a great deterrent against even the most powerful of surface forces. Without submarines, a navy would have to have a considerably larger surface fleet with higher sophistication at a significantly higher cost to provide the same deterrent and defence value. The three Daphne-Class submarines in service at present are coming to the end of their economical service life and their replacement should be seriously considered. Option 1 includes four submarines.
Inshore patrol vessels patrol the inshore waters of the maritime defence areas, primarily in the approaches to harbours. Harbour patrol boats are ski-boat sized vessels used for patrol purposes in the harbours themselves. These vessels form the inner layer of defence against smaller enemy forces that may have infiltrated through the outer defences. Option 1 provides for two inshore patrol boats and 39 harbour patrol boats.
A number of Rapid Reaction Vessels [strike craft or corvettes] should be kept on stand-by to react against enemy forces encountered by the outer layers of defence and to patrol the intermediate area. The SA Navy has nine strike craft facing block obsolescence, six of which will have to be replaced shortly after the turn of the century. Option 1 therefore includes six strike craft.
Mine hunters and minesweepers are required to keep the harbour approaches clear of mines. Option 1 includes four of each of these vessels, corresponding to the number presently in service. However, the minesweepers, being almost 40 years of age, require a life extension program and upgrade of their minesweeping gear to make them operational.
Combat Support Ships provide replenishment at sea for combat ships and submarines, enabling operations on a sustained basis with minimal base support. These helicopter carrying ships are capable of performing multiple tasks and are vital in peace support operations because of their inherent cargo and personnel carrying capacity. Option 1 includes one such ship.
