Ipiros
Knox / Ipiros Class
The Knox class frigates entered Hellenic Navy service in 1992, after a period of service with the United States Navy. All ships were initially acquired through a leasing agreement, to replace older ships in the ASW role. The Makedonia (F458), was decommissioned in January of 1999, while Thraki (F457) is slated for decommissioning in the Spring of 2001. Epirus (F456) will soon follow.
Pure anti-submarine ships, built to provide the USN with ocean-going ASW escorts. Initially they were equipped with the Basic Point Defense Missile System (Sea Sparrow), this launcher was later removed and replaced by Phalanx. To proved an Anti-ship capability, the ASROC launcher was converted to accept RGM-84 Harpoon missiles.
These ships have been transferred after the retirement of the Knox class from US service. Although their prime function was deep-water ASW, the should prove capable enough in the ASW role. Certainly they are more capable than the Fletchers they replaced.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
