IN REVIEW by Eric Wertheim Velopments During the Past Year

he proliferation of sophisticated naval weapons and technology has Treached fever pitch during the past few years. Sales of advanced submarines, long-range antiship weapons, and cut- ting-edge surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) WORLD have provided asymmetric capabilities to all interested parties. Modern navies must now come to grips with these challenges, and they must be prepared to face even the most advanced military threats anywhere and everywhere they operate. NAVIES This review of the world’s navies presents a snapshot of activities and de- IN REVIEW By Eric Wertheim velopments during the past year. It is ar- ranged by region, with nations discussed alphabetically under each subheading.

AUSTRALIA/ASIA Australia’s first new 7,000-ton Ae- gis-equipped guided-missile destroyer (DDG), HMAS Hobart, was commissioned into service in September 2017. Two others, the Brisbane and Sydney, are planned for service by 2020. As the Hobart-class DDGs join the fleet, they are replacing upgradedAd - elaide-class frigates, including HMAS Darwin, which was decommissioned in December 2017. The Australian Navy has been working to upgrade all eight of its Anzac-class frigates with active phased-array radars and other improve- ments. The Anzac class eventually will be replaced by nine future frigates beginning in the mid-2020s. The German OPV-80 design has been selected for Australia’s 12 new 1,760-ton offshore

patrol vessels, with construction set to (ZENG TAO) AGENCY/ALAMY NEWS XINHUA begin on the new OPVs in late 2018. In 2017, the first steel was cut for wart, are expected for delivery in 2019 attack helicopters and UH-1N utility he- Australia’s Pacific patrol boat replace- and 2020 respectively. licopters for use on the Canberra class in ment (PPB-R) vessels. Nineteen will be Australia plans to acquire 12 new the future. delivered between 2018 and 2023 for do- 4,500-ton French-designed submarines The use of unmanned aerial vehi- nation to 12 Pacific island nations. Aus- to replace the six existing Collins-class cles (UAVs) also is increasing in the tralia also is enhancing its own coastal boats. These 12 diesel submarines are ex- fleet, and some warships are deploying security and in 2017 commissioned two pected in service from the early 2030s. with new unmanned Scan Eagles as well Cape-class 190-foot patrol boats under a Two 27,000-ton Canberra-class am- as manned MH-60R Seahawk helicop- lease agreement. phibious assault ships recently entered ters. Australia has begun receiving its Two new replenishment vessels are service. They suffered some early pro- first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime pa- planned for the near future, both of pulsion difficulties, but the problems ap- trol aircraft, and 12 P-8As currently are which will be built in Spain and based pear to have been corrected by late 2017. planned for delivery through 2020. Addi- on the Cantabria class. These new oil- Australian defense forces reportedly are tional P-8As are expected to be ordered ers, to be named the Supply and Stal- considering acquisition of AH-1Z Viper in the future. A total of 7 MQ-4C long-

62 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 The 55,000-ton Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning was operational with the Peo- ple’s Liberation Army Navy in 2017. More and larger aircraft carriers are in development.

range Triton UAVs also are planned for technological advantages. As its power to the Liaoning, the Project 001 will be service beginning in the early 2020s. projection capabilities continue to grow, larger and faster and is expected to carry Bangladesh became a full-fledged naval assets reach further into the Indian roughly 40 percent more aircraft than the submarine operator in 2017 with the trans- Ocean region as well as the South and Liaoning. The Project 002 aircraft carrier fer of two aging Ming-class (Project 035) East China seas. China’s first aircraft car- currently is in the final stages of develop- diesel-powered boats from China. China rier, the 55,000-ton Liaoning, now is op- ment and will be bigger than its two pre- also delivered two newly constructed 211- erational, and speculation has shifted to decessors, displacing 85,000 tons. The foot guided-missile patrol craft that are future carrier designs. Current plans in- Project 002 is expected to be fitted with a based on its own Type 056 corvette. Ban- clude two domestically designed and new Chinese version of the electromag- gladesh has ordered two additional Dorn- built non-nuclear carriers known as the netic aircraft launch system rather than a ier Do-228NG aircraft to boost maritime Project 001 and Project 002. The Proj- ski-jump. patrol and surveillance capabilities. ect 001 was launched in the first half of This past year China opened its first China’s naval forces continue to make 2017 and is expected to enter service in overseas military base—in Djibouti— great strides, rapidly eroding Western the early 2020s. Similar in appearance and is expected to increase use of the

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 63 Chinese-funded port at Gwadar, Paki- 26th 4,000-ton Jiangkai II-class (Proj- should begin construction in the early stan. China reportedly has doubled the ect 054A) guided-missile frigate entered 2020s and be armed with the new JL-3 size of the People’s Liberation Army Ma- service in January, and its 37th Jiangd- SLBM. A sub-launched variant of the rine Corps from 10,000 to 20,000 troops, ao-class (Project 056) 1,500-ton missile 290-nm range YJ-18 antiship missile is and long-term plans call for an increase corvette also joined the fleet. under development to arm the Shang- to 100,000 marine personnel. China New auxiliary vessels are supporting class (Project 093), Song-class (Project launched its fifth Yuzhao-class/Proj- these increased operations. The first of a 039), and Yuan-class (Project 041) sub- ect 071 17,000-ton amphibious transport new 41,000-ton class of Project 901 re- marines. Production of the Yuan-class is dock, which is expected to commission plenishment ships entered service, while reported to have restarted after a pause this year. a second unit of the class is planned for of several years; at least three new boats Construction of a new 35,000-ton big- delivery later this year. A sixth 6,000-ton were seen fitting out in early 2017. deck amphibious ship (Project 075) is re- Project 815 intelligence collection ship India has been building its naval and portedly under way. The Project 075 is entered service in January 2017, with an defense ties with neighbors while look- expected to have well decks to operate additional unit launched during the sum- ing to boost naval exports and strengthen the new Yuyi-class (Project 726) air-cush- mer; more are expected. A large 50,000- its industrial base. The first 8,000-tonVi - ioned landing craft under construction. ton dual-use, civil-military heavy-lift sakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) DDG China’s surface combatant fleet has ship also became operational early in is expected in the near future, with a total been expanding. Its first new, 10,000- 2017 and is able to transport up to 10,000 of four units due by the mid-2020s. The ton Renhai-class (Project 055) guid- tons of outsized cargo. first of as many as seven new 6,700-ton ed-missile cruiser (sometimes classified According to the U.S. Department of Project 17A frigates, improved variants as a destroyer) was launched in summer Defense, China has completed six of the of the Shivalik class (Project 17), began 2017. Project 055 armament is thought Shang I/II-class Project 093/093A nucle- construction last year. to include at least 112 vertical launch ar-powered attack submarines (SSNs), India will acquire from Russia up to system cells, advanced SAMs, land-at- and a new variant—the Project 093B— four 4,000-ton Admiral Grigorovich– tack cruise missiles, and the 290-nau- is thought to be under development. Up class (Project 11356M) frigates, based on tical-mile range CH-SS-NX-13/YJ- to 14 next-generation Project 095 SSNs the Talwar-class (Project 11356). India’s 18 antiship missile. Two Project 055s may also be planned for the future. Four third Kamorta-class (Project 28) antisub- are reported to be under construction, Jin-class (Project 094) nuclear-powered marine warfare (ASW) corvette entered and it appears at least four are planned. ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs), service in October 2017, and additional China’s sixth Luyang III–class (Proj- armed with JL-2 submarine-launched sisters are planned. India also is expected ect 052D) destroyer was commissioned ballistic missiles (SLBMs) have been to acquire as many as 16 new shal- this past July, and the 13th unit of the completed, and a fifth is thought to be low-water craft for ASW patrol duties. class was launched that same month. under construction. Development is also The first two of five planned 1,500-ton The People’s Liberation Army Navy’s under way on the Project 096 SSBN that Project 21 naval offshore patrol vessels (NOPVs) were launched in the summer of 2017. The fourth and final 325-ton im- Indonesia took delivery of the frigate proved Car Nicobar–class patrol craft Raden Eddy Martadinata in 2017. entered the fleet this past year. New utility landing craft are entering service, and long-term plans call for acquisition of several large amphibious ships. A new 10,000-ton Project VC 11184 missile-tracking and ocean-surveillance ship is nearing completion and expected in service by late 2018 or early 2019. In December 2017, India commissioned the first of six 1,600-tonKalvari - class submarines, which are Indian-built variants of the French Scorpène-class design. India now has an urgent require- ment for heavyweight torpedoes because a previous order was canceled over al-

DAMEN legations of corruption. India’s second

64 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 Arihant-class SSBN was launched late in 2017 and is expected to enter service in the early 2020s. Two additional SSBNs are planned, and a new class of SSBN may be under development for the future. In March 2017, India retired the world’s oldest active aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat. The 28,000-ton vessel will be replaced by the 40,000-ton Vikrant, currently being fitted out at Cochin Ship- yard under the indigenous aircraft carrier program (Project 71). India also is in the market for several dozen carrier-based fighters and hopes to build a full-sized, 65,000-ton carrier in the future. India retired its last operational Tu- 142M maritime patrol aircraft in 2017. The Russian-built aircraft are being re- FORCE MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE JAPANESE More than 60 Mitsubishi P-1 maritime patrol aircraft are planned for Japanese service. placed by 12 P-8I Poseidon aircraft pur- chased from the United States, and additional P-8Is may be acquired in the Japan’s second 24,000-ton Izumo- To assist with airborne warning and future. The Indian Navy and Coast class helicopter-carrying destroyer was control, Japan has ordered additional Guard have each ordered 16 more Druv commissioned in 2017. The second of Northrup Grumman E-2D Advanced light helicopters to help replace the Che- four planned ASW-focused Asahi-class Hawkeye aircraft with deliveries continu- tak, which is due to retire during the 5,100-ton destroyers, based on the pre- ing through 2018. New Mitsubishi P-1 next few years. The Indian Navy hopes vious Akizuki class, was launched. Two maritime patrol aircraft are entering ser- to acquire more than 100 maritime mul- new-construction air-defense destroy- vice, replacing aging P-3C Orions. More tirole and utility helicopters over the ers are planned for the early 2020s un- than 60 P-1s eventually are planned. next few years. der the 27DDG program, and a new class Malaysia has been working to enhance Indian industry continues develop- of at least eight medium-sized 3,900-ton its coastal operations and capabilities. A ment of advanced naval weapons through surface patrol combatants are planned total of six locally built 3,000-ton litto- international cooperation. New extend- under the 30DX program. The first of ral combat ships (LCSs) are planned for ed-range SAM systems are being devel- three 690-ton Awaji-class mine-counter- service beginning in 2019. Based on the oped with Israel, and new long-range measures vessels entered service early French Gowind-2500-class corvette, the land-attack and antiship missiles are in in 2017, and a second unit will enter the first of these new vessels was launched the works with Russia. fleet this year. Japan has increased fund- in August 2017. Malaysia also ordered Indonesia took delivery of two 2,365- ing to purchase additional SM-3 Block four new 680-ton littoral mission ships ton SIGMA 10514 frigates this past year, IIA Standard Missiles for ballistic-mis- (LMSs) from China. Up to 18 of the new the KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai and the Ra- sile defense, and in December 2017, Ja- LMSs are planned, and construction will den Eddy Martadinata. pan’s government approved acquisition be shared between Chinese and Malay- The Indonesian Navy also commis- of two Aegis-ashore missile-defense sys- sian shipyards. Deliveries of the first LMS sioned the Nagapasa, the first of three tems. The two land-based sites are not is scheduled for 2019. Malaysia is consid- Type 209/1400 submarines built in South expected to be operational until 2023. ering the acquisition of two new subma- Korea under a 2011 contract. All three of Japan’s eighth Soryu-class air-in- rines, as well as new maritime patrol air- the 1,400-ton submarines are due for de- dependent propulsion (AIP) subma- craft and a new multirole support ship for livery by 2021. A new 11,000-ton am- rine was delivered last year, and the humanitarian-assistance operations. phibious dock landing ship was laid down tenth unit was launched in November. Myanmar conducted its first joint na- this past year and could enter service be- The 11th and 12th units of the Soryu val exercises with China last spring. In fore 2020. Additional PC-40 small patrol class are expected to be fitted with lith- 2017, the government ordered advanced boats continue to enter the fleet, and new ium-ion batteries in place of the cur- lightweight torpedoes from India. Myan- AS565 MBe Panther maritime helicop- rent lead-acid battery/AIP system. This mar hopes to continue its recent naval ex- ters and a King Air 350i utility aircraft change could provide many operational pansion by establishing a fledgling sub- also entered naval service in 2017. and design benefits. marine capability sometime in the future.

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 65 New Zealand’s Anzac-class frigate Te Agency along with a fourth, and final, Navy’s Independence-class LCSs) are Kaha extended its deployment last sum- 600-ton maritime patrol vessel. Pakistan modular and reconfigurable, permitting mer to assist the U.S. Seventh Fleet after also commissioned the Himmat last sum- a wide array of naval missions. By the the destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) mer, its third Azmat-class guided-mis- end of 2017, the first three of a planned collided with a merchant ship. New Zea- sile patrol craft. In late 2017, the Himmat eight ships were in commission, and all land’s frigate system upgrade, to improve test-fired a new domestically produced are expected by the end of 2020. The sensor and weapon systems on its two Harba antiship missile with secondary LMVs are replacing the Fearless-class frigates, is planned for the future. A new land-attack capabilities. patrol combatants, four of which were 24,000-ton fleet replenishment tanker is Pakistan plans to expand its subma- retired in 2017. Singapore ordered two on order from South Korea, with deliv- rine force during the coming decade by Type 218SG submarines from Ger- ery planned for early 2020. An ocean pa- acquiring up to eight submarines from many in 2017, bringing to four the num- trol vessel is also planned for delivery China based on the Yuan class (Project ber planned by 2024. The first two of by 2020, and a single new multipurpose 041). It is expected that half of the sub- the 2,000-ton submarines were ordered vessel is being sought to replace both the marines will be built in China and half in 2013 and are due for delivery in 2021 diving-support vessel and hydrograph- in Pakistan between 2022–28. In Janu- and 2022, with the third and fourth units ic-research ships now in service. New ary 2017, media reported that Pakistan expected beginning in 2024. Zealand also is looking to replace its test fired its first nuclear-capable sub- South Korea is expanding its fleet of P-3K Orion fleet with new maritime-pa- marine-launched cruise missile, the Ba- Aegis-equipped air-defense destroyers, trol aircraft beginning in the mid-2020s. bur-3, which is thought to have a range and the first of three new updated KDX- North Korea conducted its sixth and of approximately 280 miles. III (Batch II) DDGs is expected for de- largest nuclear test last September, with Pakistan has been acquiring retired livery in 2021. Eight new 3,500-ton Dae- an estimated yield of 50–60 kilotons. In Sea King helicopters from the United gu-class multirole frigates are planned 2017, the country also test-fired an ICBM Kingdom. In September, a Pakistani Sea under the FFX-II program. Three of that appears to be capable of reaching the King conducted its first successful heli- the frigates, based on the Incheon class entire continental United States. A new copter test launch of an antiship missile. (FFX), are expected in service by the ballistic missile submarine—dubbed the The Philippines hosted two Russian end of 2018. South Korea’s first 230-ton Sinpo-C—is thought to be under con- warships at Manila in January 2017, and Chamsuri II-class (PKX-B) patrol boat struction as a follow-on to the existing on 30 April 2017, a small flotilla of Chi- was delivered this past fall. Eight more Sinpo test submarine already in service. nese warships arrived in the Philippines are due for delivery by 2020, with addi- North Korea also reportedly is working to boost naval ties between the two national units planned. In 2017, South Ko- on a second missile test barge for under- tions. In order to modernize its aging rea took delivery of the second of four water launch, as it moves toward a fully fleet, the navy hopes to acquire two me- 4,500-ton tank landing ships (LSTs) un- functioning SLBM capability. The coun- dium-sized surface combatants based on der the LST-II program. A third LST try’s maritime forces are seeking to en- the South Korean HDF-3000 frigate de- of the class is due in the first half of hance their antiship capability, and in sign. During Spring 2017, the Philip- 2018, and the fourth and final LST was 2017, a locally built version of the Rus- pines took delivery of its second 11,500- launched this past fall. In June 2017, sian SS-N-25 antiship cruise missile was ton Tarlac-class strategic sealift ship. South Korea took delivery of the Nampo, fired from a coastal defense launcher to The new vessel, the Davao Del Sur, was an advanced 4,200-ton minelaying ves- an estimated range of 125 miles. built in Indonesia for amphibious lift and sel. South Korea also is planning to con- Pakistan activated its new maritime humanitarian assistance operations. New struct a new 4,500-ton naval training Task Force 88 this past year to help pro- small patrol and attack craft also have vessel for delivery in 2020. tect the Chinese-funded port at Gwadar been entering service. Two AW159 Lynx The ninth and final 1,800-ton KSS-2 and China-Pakistani Economic Corridor Wildcat helicopters, to be armed with (Type 214) AIP-capable submarine was trade routes. In 2017, two 246-foot cor- the Israeli-built Spike non–line-of-sight launched last year and is expected for de- vettes were ordered from the U.S. firm (NLOS) missile, were ordered in 2016 livery in 2019. Construction also has be- Swiftships, and at least one 295-foot off- and are expected for delivery later this gun on the third of as many as nine new shore patrol vessel was ordered from the year. The Philippine Navy also began 3,000-ton AIP-equipped submarines that Dutch firm Damen. Pakistan is looking to taking delivery of five TC-90 aircraft do- will begin entering service in the early acquire four Turkish-designed Ada-class nated by Japan for maritime security and 2020s. South Korea’s previously planned corvettes (part of the MILGEM project), coastal patrol missions. acquisition of retired U.S. Navy S-3 Vi- most likely to be built in Pakistan. Two Singapore’s new littoral mission ves- king aircraft appears to have been called 1,500-ton maritime patrol vessels, or- sels (LMVs) have begun to enter ser- off in favor of more advanced and lon- dered from China in 2015, are nearing vice. The 1,250-ton Independence-class ger-range maritime-patrol aircraft. South delivery to Pakistan’s Maritime Security LMVs (not to be confused with the U.S. Korea also hopes to fulfill its require-

66 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 ment for a dozen new ship-based ASW acquire a new class of six mine-counter- States. The ex-Morgenthau is now serv- helicopters by the early 2020s. measures vessels, but contractual issues ing with the Vietnamese Coast Guard as Sri Lanka held its first bilateral Co- have plagued the effort. the CSB 8020. operation Afloat Readiness and Train- Thailand’s second 2,500-ton Krabi- Vietnam is working to acquire new ing (CARAT) exercises with the United class offshore patrol vessel is under con- light and medium patrol vessels and war- States in October 2017. Sri Lanka took struction domestically for delivery in ships, new mine-countermeasures ves- delivery in 2017 of an Indian-built 2,350- 2019. One new DW3000 frigate is being sels, and new long-range maritime patrol ton advanced offshore patrol vessel built in South Korea for delivery during aircraft during the coming decade. (AOPV), the largest warship ever used 2018. Thailand ordered the first of three by the Sri Lankan Navy. A second AOPV planned S26T submarines from China EUROPE is expected for delivery later this year. this past year and hopes to begin subma- Albania’s navy completed its first NATO Taiwan took delivery of two retired rine operations by the early 2020s. The deployment in November 2017, as the U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry–class S26T design is thought to be based on 205-ton patrol craft ALS Oriku con- frigates in 2017. The warships, ex-Taylor the Chinese Yuan class (Project 041), and cluded a year-long assignment with (FFG-50) and ex-Gary (FFG-51), have two additional submarines of the class Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. been renamed the Mingchuan and Fing- are expected in service by the late 2020s. Bulgaria plans to acquire new patrol jia, respectively. Taiwan has been un- Vietnam’s fifth and sixth Improved boats and is hoping to modernize its ag- able to acquire submarines on the global Kilo-class (Project 636) submarines were ing fleet during the next decade. On 9 market and instead has initiated a do- delivered by Russia, and commissioned June 2017, an AS.565 Panther—one of mestic submarine design and production into service on 28 February 2017. Rus- only three Bulgarian naval helicopters— program calling for eight diesel subma- sia also delivered Vietnam’s third 2,100- collided with the mast of the frigate Dra- rines to enter service in late 2020s. De- ton Gepard-class frigate, and a fourth is zki before crashing into the Black Sea. spite these plans, a host of technical, in- expected later this year. Additional Ge- Denmark integrated the Iver Huitfeldt- dustrial, and political challenges likely pard-class frigates are planned. Vietnam class guided-missile frigate HDMS will impede the effort. Taiwan remains is acquiring six new patrol vessels from Peter Willemoes with the USS George reliant on foreign assistance, and orders Japan that will join older craft trans- H. W. Bush (CVN-77) carrier strike for new Mk-48 heavyweight torpedoes, ferred during the last five years. In late group (CSG) this past year. This marked Mk-54 lightweight torpedo conversion May 2017, Vietnam took delivery of the the first time a Danish warship undertook kits, SM-2 missile parts, and AN/SLQ-32 retired 378-foot U.S. Coast Guard cut- such a deployment, which included con- electronic warfare suite system upgrades ter Morgenthau (WHEC-722) as well as tributions to defense of the CSG during were approved for export from the six new 45-foot Metal Shark Defiant pi- combat operations over the skies of Iraq United States in 2017. Taiwan hopes to lothouse patrol vessels from the United and Syria.

Denmark’s guided-missile frigate, HDMS Peter Willemoes, deployed with the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) carrier strike group last year. U.S. NAVY (CHRISTOPHER GAINES) (CHRISTOPHER NAVY U.S.

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 67 Denmark has taken a commanding fourth 6,000-ton Aquitaine-class frig- Germany now is considering acquir- role in NATO’s Baltic Operations exer- ate under the Franco-Italian European ing up to 24 naval helicopters to replace cises.The country is seeking to expand multi-purpose frigate (FREMM) pro- its current Mk-88A Sea Lynx from the its naval helicopter fleet, with nine MH- gram. Six French antisubmarine variants mid-2020s. The country is working to 60Rs on order, the first of which be- and two air-defense versions are planned update its fleet of P-3C Orion maritime came operational last April. Its warships for delivery by the early 2020s. patrol aircraft to extend their service life are being modified to carry the new he- Work is under way on six Suffren- into the 2030s. In 2017, Germany an- licopter. In the future, Denmark hopes class SSNs under the Barracuda pro- nounced plans to build two additional to enhance airborne and ship-based gram. The first of the these is expected to Type 212 submarines to a slightly modi- ASW capabilities. enter service by the end of this year, with fied Norwegian-German design for deliv- Finland plans to acquire four multi- all six units planned by 2029. France ery in the 2020s. purpose offshore patrol vessels to replace has been investing in longer range naval Greece took delivery of four rig- Rauma-class missile patrol craft and Hä- weapons development and has been co- id-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) from the meenmaa-class minelayers beginning in operating with the United Kingdom to U.S. Navy last fall, for use with special the mid-2020s. By late 2017, upgrades design future antiship missiles and other operations units. The country is continu- and modernization were completed on strike weapons. ing an upgrade program to return its P-3 the three Pansio-class coastal minelay- Germany has announced plans to Orion maritime-patrol aircraft to opera- ers. The navy also plans to upgrade the build five additional 1,800-tonBraun - tional status. Hamina-class guided-missile patrol craft. schweig-class (Type 130) guided-mis- Italy’s maritime forces are stretched thin by the ongoing migrant crisis that demands a heavy naval presence off the coast of north Africa and in the Mediter- ranean. A new large-deck 22,000-ton amphibious assault ship is on order for delivery by 2020 to help with transport and humanitarian assistance duties. Italy plans to acquire a mix of ten general purpose and antisubmarine-configuredCarlo Ber- gamini-class frigates under the FREMM program. The sixth frigate, Luigi Rizzo, was delivered in April 2017. A seventh was launched last year, and all ten warships are expected by the early 2020s. Construction began on the first 425- Germany plans to build ten Braunschweig-class foot multipurpose offshore patrol ship (Type 130) guided-missile corvettes by 2023. (“Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura,” or

NAVAL PRESS SERVICE (MICHAEL NITZ) SERVICE PRESS NAVAL PPA). Seven of these modular PPAs have been ordered in three different config- In late 2017, Finland took delivery of its sile corvettes, bringing to ten the number urations, with deliveries set to begin in 12th and final 65-foot Jehu-class (U 700) planned for service by 2023. 2021. Additional PPAs are expected in series landing craft. Germany’s first 7,300-ton Baden- the future. France’s sole aircraft carrier, the nu- Württemberg-class (Type 125) frigate A large new 587-foot logistics-support clear-powered Charles de Gaulle, began was delivered in 2016, but a series of and replenishment ship was launched a refit early in 2017 and is due to com- problems have resulted in postponement and will be delivered in 2019. Two addi- plete its life extension by late this year. of its commissioning. The fourth and fi- tional auxiliaries are planned, and a new Work includes nuclear refueling, avia- nal Type 125 frigate was launched in fleet of mine-countermeasures vessels tion upgrades, and combat systems mod- May 2017 and is expected for delivery are under consideration. New high-speed ernization. The navy is beginning to con- by late 2019. special forces boats also are being built sider replacement of the carrier by the Germany is planning to build six new with deliveries planned for 2019–20. late 2030s. While the aircraft carrier is multirole warships under the MKS-180 Italy retired its last Atlantic Mk-1 out of service, French Rafale M naval program. The first of these warships is maritime patrol aircraft in Septem- fighters flew from Jordan to engage -Is expected in 2023. The German Navy ber 2017, and four new Alenia Aermac- lamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. In hopes to procure two new naval support chi P-72As have begun entering service. April 2017, France took delivery of its ships in the next decade. The navy plans to modify the 27,000-ton

68 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 aircraft carrier Cavour to carry stealthy first joint Russian-Chinese naval exer- New Zubr-class hovercraft are expected F-35B Lightning II short-takeoff, ver- cises in the Baltic Sea. to enter production, and long-term plans, tical-landing (STOVL) strike fighters Smaller surface combatants and sub- which may prove overly optimistic, call during the next few years. F-35B tri- marines that pack a punch form the for eventual construction of a large new als are scheduled to begin on the carrier mainstay of work at Russian shipyards. amphibious assault ship and a new class in 2020. Additional naval and transport In November 2017, Russia took deliv- of guided-missile destroyers. variants of the NH90 helicopter are on ery of its firstAdmiral Gorshkov-class In 2017, the Russian Ropucha-I- order and continuing to enter service. (Project 22350) guided-missile frigate. A class LST Oslyabya completed over- The Netherlands is beginning to second unit of the 4,500-ton class is ex- haul and was returned to service, while plan for the replacement of its four Wal- pected for delivery this year, and two ad- another in the class, the Yamal, suffered rus-class submarines, which may in- ditional units are planned by 2025. De- damage in a collision with a merchant clude cooperative design and develop- spite these ambitious plans, numbers of ship. On 27 April 2017, the Russian Mo- ment with an allied navy. The Dutch serious industrial and technical issues ma-class (Project 861M) intelligence col- Marine Corps and German naval sea bat- continue to threaten their timely intro- lection ship Liman collided with a civilian talion completed integration last year to duction into service. freighter and sank in the Black Sea off the enable joint deployments as a combined Russia’s third 4,000-ton Admiral coast of Istanbul. Russia’s second of four force. In 2017, the Dutch guided-mis- Grigorovich-class (Project 11356M) planned Project 18280 intelligence collec- sile frigate HNLMS Tromp launched frigate entered service in late Decem- tion ships was launched in mid-2017 and SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles ber 2017, and its fifth 2,000-tonStere - is expected for delivery in the near future. against multiple incoming antiship missile targets while taking part in NATO Poland retired the ex-Norwegian training exercises. Type 207 submarine Kondor late Norway announced plans in 2017 to last year. acquire four Type 212NG submarines from Germany. In early 2017, Norway fi- nalized an order for five P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States. The new aircraft will begin entering service in 2021 to replace P-3 Orion and Dassault DA-20 Jet Falcon aircraft. Poland retired the ex-Norwegian Type 207 submarine Kondor in December 2017, leaving three type 207s in service. The country has begun looking to acquire a new class of more modern submarines and is considering procurement of second-hand frigates from a friendly COLLECTION A. DE KRUIJF navy. Late in 2017, the first of three planned Kormoran II-class mine counter- gushchiy-class (Project 20380) frigates Construction continues on new Project measures ships entered service. Commis- also entered the fleet this past year. New 12700 mine-countermeasures ships, with sioning of the 2,000-ton MEKO A-100 Karakurt-class (Project 22800) corvettes up to two new units planned for delivery class patrol ship Slazak is expected in are thought to be under construction at this year and more than a dozen units de- the near future following extensive de- Crimean shipyards seized from Ukraine sired. Work has begun on the first new lays. The navy also hopes to replace its in 2014, and construction continues on Project 23550 arctic patrol ship. Mil Mi-14 Haze naval helicopters in the other corvettes, such as the Buyan-M Russia is continuing to invest heavily near future. class (Project 21631). The long-de- in its submarine programs and is thought Russia published a new naval policy layed 6,000-ton LST Ivan Gren (Proj- to have five new Borey II-class SSBNs last year declaring U.S. and NATO at- ect 11711) has been under construction planned under Project 955A. Improved tempts to dominate global seas a direct since 2004, yet reportedly had not en- variants of the Severodvinsk-class (Proj- threat to its national security. Russia has tered service as of late 2017. Upgrades ect 885M) are expected to begin joining been boosting its own maritime presence have begun on the 25,000-ton Kirov- the fleet in the near future as well. Older wherever possible, including placement class cruiser Admiral Nakhimov but legacy submarines are scheduled for up- of new coastal-defense antiship missiles progress remains slow, and the ship is grades, and at least some Oscar II-class on disputed Kuril Islands and hosting its not expected back in service until 2021. nuclear powered guided-missile subma-

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 69 rines are set to receive new Kalibr mis- ready and may be added during a future der a 2009 contract. A new submarine siles in place of their Cold War–era SS- refit. Spain has begun taking deliveries rescue ship, the Akin, entered service in N-19s. Construction began on two new of refurbished SH-60F Seahawk helicop- December 2017, replacing an older ship Improved Kilo–class (Project 636.3) die- ters from the United States. Up to five with the same name that had recently re- sel-electric submarines, and at least four Seahawks could be transferred to join its tired. In 2017, the Bayraktar, first of two additional units are planned for delivery existing SH-60B fleet. new 7,250-ton LSTs, was commissioned by the early 2020s. Sweden is upgrading its two active while another, the Sancaktar, conducted In January 2017, Russia’s steam-tur- Göteborg-class guided-missile patrol trials and shipyard acceptance testing. bine-powered aircraft carrier the Admi- craft with new variable-depth sonar. The A domestically built 28,000-ton big- ral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov navy also has begun examining plans and deck amphibious assault ship, based on ended its first combat deployment after designs for a future surface combatant to Spain’s Juan Carlos I class, is currently only two months. The 27-year-old carrier enter service in the mid-2020s. Two ad- under construction and expected for de- suffered a number of propulsion and avi- vanced 1,900-ton A26 submarines are on livery in 2021. Turkey has expressed in- ation problems during its brief mission order for delivery in 2022 and 2024. The terest in acquiring up to 20 F-35Bs for off the coast of Syria. A major multiyear new A26 class will feature a modular de- operation from the new ship. modernization and refit effort is planned, sign and AIP system. Two of Sweden’s Ukraine hopes to increase cash flow and the ship is not expected back in ser- Gotland-class A19 submarines are under- by boosting exports of locally produced vice until the mid-2020s. going upgrades as part of a refit due to maritime patrol vessels and aircraft. U.S. Spain’s fifth 2,900-tonMeteoro -class complete by late 2019. Navy Seabees began construction in offshore patrol vessel was launched in Turkey plans to acquire additional summer 2017 of a naval operations cen- March 2017, and construction is under 2,300-ton Heybeliada-class corvettes, ter at Ochakiv Naval Base, located near way on a sixth unit of the class. Spain and a fourth unit was launched this past Odessa on the Black Sea, to serve as a has begun planning to replace its do- summer for delivery in 2020. Construc- planning and operational hub for mari- mestically built Oliver Hazard Perry– tion has begun on an enlarged 3,000-ton time assets in the region. Plans also call class frigates in the mid-2020s with five variant of the class, dubbed the Istan- for U.S. assistance constructing a small new frigates under the F-110 program. bul-class frigate, for service in 2021. At craft repair facility at the naval base. Spain’s S-80 submarine effort contin- least four air-defense frigates are planned The United Kingdom commissioned ues to face technical delays and financial under the future TF-2000 program. Pro- its new 65,000-ton aircraft carrier HMS challenges. The first of the four subma- duction is under way on Turkey’s Ger- Queen Elizabeth in December 2017. The rines is not expected for delivery un- man-designed Type 214 submarines, six full-sized carrier is the largest warship til 2021, but the AIP system will not be of which will be built domestically un- ever built for the Royal Navy and will

The United Kingdom commissioned its first 65,000-ton aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, in December 2017. U.K. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE MINISTRY U.K.

70 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 Algeria’s second MEKO A-200 frigate, the El Moudamir, was delivered last year. NAVAL PRESS SERVICE (MICHAEL NITZ) SERVICE PRESS NAVAL serve as fleet flagship. Flight trials for support ships, is planned for service MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA STOVL F-35B fighters will begin on the from the mid-2020s. Algeria took delivery of its second aircraft carrier later this year. A second Work has begun on the first of four 3,500-ton German-built MEKO A-200 carrier, to be named the Prince of Wales, new 17,500-ton Dreadnought-class frigate, El Moudamir, in 2017. Up to two is expected in 2020. The fleet’s previ- SSBNs, which will enter service in the additional units are planned. ous flagship, the helicopter assault carrier late 2020s. The fourth Astute-class SSN, Two Tigr-class frigates (Project 20382), HMS Ocean, is set to retire this spring. the Audacious, was launched in April an export variant of the Stereguschiy The first three of eight planned Type 2017 and is expected to commission later class, are under construction in Russia. 26 global combat ships were ordered in this year. Seven Astutes are planned to be Up to four additional units are planned for 2017. The 6,900-ton frigates will be op- in service by 2025. the future. Algeria’s first Italian-builtLiri - timized for antisubmarine warfare and On 23 March 2017 the Royal Navy re- ci-class mine countermeasures vessel has are expected to begin entering service tired the HMA.8 Lynx naval helicopter entered service, and a second unit is on from the mid-2020s. The first of five and is replacing it with the Lynx Wildcat. order for delivery in 2019. A new domes- smaller and less expensive Type 31 frig- Plans to retire the Harpoon antiship mis- tically produced 600-ton guided-missile ates are due around 2023. The Type 23 sile without replacement have been post- patrol boat entered service this past sum- (Duke-class) frigate HMS Argyle com- poned, and the weapon in expected to mer. Algeria is set to receive its first Rus- pleted an extensive 18-month upgrade continue in service until at least 2020. A sian-built Improved Kilo–class (Project in 2017 and received a new GWS.35 new Anglo-French cruise missile is under 636) submarine in 2018, and a second unit Sea Ceptor SAM system in place of development. New helicopter-launched is under construction. the GWS.26 vertically launched Sea Sea Venom antiship missiles are ex- Angola has taken delivery of a new Wolf. All active Type 23 frigates are expected to join the fleet in the early 2020s, Cessna Citation I/SP 501 for maritime pected to receive a similar upgrade in replacing the Sea Skua, which was re- surveillance duties. The aircraft report- the future. tired early in 2017. Sea King ASaC.7 air- edly has been fitted with an active elec- The first of four new 39,000-ton borne-early-warning helicopters will be tronically scanned radar array and elec- Tide-class tankers, the Tidespring, en- retired by the end of this year and re- tro-optic systems. Additional Citations tered the Royal Fleet Auxiliary last No- placed by new “Crow’s Nest” radar pods are expected in the future. vember. The replenishment ships are carried under Merlin HM.2 naval heli- Bahrain ordered five more U.S. Mk being built in South Korea under the copters. Nine P-8A Poseidon maritime V fast patrol boats in 2017 and two U.S.- British Military Afloat Reach and Sus- patrol aircraft will enter service between built 115-foot fast patrol boats are also tainability (MARS) program. A new 2019–22, helping plug an airborne ASW on order. Upgrades to four patrol craft class of three cargo and ammunition gap brought about by cancellation of the and two corvettes are under way in Italy transport vessels, known as future solid Nimrod MRA.4 in 2010. with completion expected by 2020.

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 71 Egypt recently received its second German-built Type 209/1400 submarine. NAVAL PRESS SERVICE (MICHAEL NITZ) SERVICE PRESS NAVAL

Egypt is expanding its presence in the variant of the Russian Shkval super-cavi- ing for delivery of the first of four new Mediterranean Sea by enlarging bases tating torpedo this past May. 2,000-ton Sa’ar VI-class guided-mis- and piers, and the country has been ex- The Iranian Revolutionary Guard sile corvettes from Germany in 2019 to panding facilities near Safaga on the Red Corps Navy began taking deliveries of a be used primarily for protection of gas Sea to help combat piracy. On 22 Sep- large batch of new Nasir antiship cruise platforms in the Mediterranean Sea. Is- tember, Egypt took delivery of the El missiles this past April. The missiles rael also is working to modernize its Fateh, its first 2,600-ton French Gowind are thought to be extended-range vari- Sa’ar IV guided-missile patrol craft. 2500-class corvette. Three more Gowind ants of the Iranian-built Nasr-1 missiles, The navy will receive its sixth Dol- 2500s will be built domestically for de- which are themselves copies of the Chi- phin-class submarine from Germany in livery by 2020. Egypt received its sec- nese C-704 missile. Unconfirmed re- 2019, representing the third submarine ond German-built Type 209/1400 subma- ports suggest that an Iranian Ghadir-class of the class modified with AIP capabil- rine last summer and two additional Type submarine unsuccessfully attempted to ities. Additional AIP-modified subs are 209s are planned by 2021. test-fire the new missile in May. In addi- planned for the future. Egypt expects to order Russian Ka- tion, Iran reportedly is working on a new The Ivory Coast received a new, ap- mov Ka-52K naval attack helicopters for 155-mile-range antiship ballistic missile proximately 85-foot-long Chinese-built use from 20,000-ton Mistral-class am- named the Hormuz-2. patrol boat in 2017 for counterpiracy phibious ships the Gamal Abdel Nasser Iraq finally has taken delivery of its activity. Reports indicate that China is and Anwar El-Sadat. long-delayed Assad-class corvettes. The helping fund construction of a repair fa- Iran’s maritime forces conducted two 685-ton warships were completed in cility in the country. In the near future, frequent unsafe interactions with U.S. the late 1980s but held under embargo the Ivory Coast hopes to acquire three ships and aircraft in the Persian Gulf for in Italy beginning in 1990. The corvettes AS.365 Dauphins—or other similarly the first half of 2017, but these activities are in poor condition after years of ne- sized naval helicopters—for maritime appear to have ceased without expla- glect, but reportedly were transported support duties. nation beginning around August. Iran, from Italy on board a heavy-lift ship and Kuwait accepted a new 210-foot land- however, stands accused of violating completed their voyage in mid-2017. ing craft last year, and the last of five UN sanctions by supplying Houthi rebel Israel is planning for new naval 52-foot fast landing craft has joined the forces in Yemen with a wide assortment craft, weapons, and sensors to help pro- fleet, along with a 138-foot landing ves- of weapons. tect against a wide range or threats. The sel named the Sabhan. Kuwait ordered The Iranian frigate Alvand and a sup- C-Dome, a naval variant of the Iron 29 47-foot fast coastal interceptor craft ply ship reentered service in early 2017 Dome defensive missile system, was de- from the United States for delivery by after docking in South Africa for emer- clared fully operational in 2017, and a early this year. Upgrades on all eight gency repairs during an extended late- containerized naval version of the long- 225-ton P37-class guided-missile patrol 2016 deployment. Iran reportedly test- range artillery (LoRA) weapon was boats are due to be completed in France fired a locally produced developmental test-fired in June 2017. Israel is prepar- in the near future.

72 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 Libya took delivery of two refur- early 2017 that helped ensure a smooth and, Somalia, this past year to support bished Bigliani II-class patrol boats from democratic transition of power during its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden Italy this past year, joining ones trans- a constitutional crisis in Gambia. The and Red Sea and to help protect shipping ferred in 2010. Six other patrol craft successful naval activities help demon- from piracy off the Horn of Africa. The were refurbished in Tunisia and trans- strate Senegal’s maritime capabilities UAE has ordered two new Gowind cor- ferred to Libya in 2017. The ship dona- and their ability to respond in times of vettes from France, with an option to ac- tions are part of an ongoing European ef- regional crisis. quire two additional units in the future. fort to help the Libyan Coast Guard curb South Africa has several naval pro- In February 2017, the UAE commis- illegal migration and human trafficking grams on the books, including Project sioned its sixth and final 900-tonBay - in the region. Biro—to build three inshore and three nunah-class corvette, the Al Hili. Namibia took delivery of two Hai- offshore patrol boats—and Project Ho- Yemen’s bloody civil war shows no qing-class (Project 037-I) patrol craft tel—that calls for delivery of a new 312- sign of abating. A Saudi-led military co- that were recently retired from Chinese foot hydrographic survey ship. Construc- alition includes naval assets working to service. The 478-ton vessels have been tion is set to begin in 2018. Maritime prevent the spread of weapons to Houthi renamed the Daures and Brukkaros. surveillance capabilities remain severely rebel forces, but the naval force also has Nigeria is working to boost stability underfunded in South Africa, and urgent been blamed for preventing aid from and security in the Gulf of Guinea and requirements for maritime patrol aircraft reaching civilians. Both coalition war- along the western coast of Africa. Nige- and boats remain unmet. ships and civilian aid vessels have been rian special boat units and at least one Syria’s government, with Russian as- targeted by rebel forces using antiship offshore patrol vessel were called on to sistance, gained ground in its civil war missiles, suicide boats, and other weap- help ensure a smooth democratic tran- this past year. Military forces conducted ons thought to have been supplied by sition of power in Gambia following its major river crossings over the Euphra- Iran. Early in 2017, reports indicated that recent constitutional crisis. Nigeria has tes using floating pontoon bridges, small Houthi rebel forces were mining the Bab been acquiring new security boats in boats, ferries, and amphibious vehi- el-Mandeb Strait around Yemeni waters, varying sizes and is leasing private secu- cles. Much of the crossing equipment posing additional risk to maritime traffic rity craft to protect merchant vessels. The is thought to have been supplied from in the region. country also recently added a new naval Russian stocks. monitoring system, and floating operat- Tunisia took delivery of the first of 13 AMERICAS ing bases have been established to com- coastal radars from the United States and Argentina’s 2,350-ton TR-1700-class bat the maritime piracy that continues to received two U.S.-built 66.5-foot full- submarine San Juan went missing at sea threaten trade in the region. cabin patrol boats this past year. Con- with all hands this past November and an Qatar ordered a number of naval as- struction also is under way on four larger international search effort failed to locate sets in 2017 for construction in Italy. offshore patrol vessels being built in Ro- the submarine or determine the cause of Contracts include four corvettes, a mid- mania for delivery by the end of the year. its loss. The navy hopes to acquire four sized amphibious dock landing ship, and The United Arab Emirates began 1,500-ton Gowind corvettes as well as two offshore patrol vessels. construction of a naval base in Somalil- an amphibious assault ship in the next Saudi Arabian naval forces continue to lead a naval coalition off the coast of Yemen aimed at preventing arms from reaching Houthi rebels. An Al Madi- nah-class frigate survived a rebel suicide boat attack early in 2017 and was able to return to port for repairs. Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with plans to acquire four multi-mission surface combatants from the United States—Freedom-class LCSs modified for export with a more robust suite of weapons. Saudi Arabia also has ordered additional U.S. Mk V special operations patrol boats, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and P-8A Poseidon maritime

patrol aircraft. OF DEFENSE ARGENTINA MINISTRY Senegal contributed at least three Argentina’s 15,000-ton icebreaker the Almirante Irízar returned to service ten years after patrol boats to military operations in a fire destroyed much of the ship.

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 73 decade. Argentina received five retired Super Étendard fighter-bombers from France in 2017 to help revitalize the Ar- gentine naval air arm. Plans are also being considered to procure retired P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to replace the country’s older P-3Bs. During the spring of 2017, the 15,000-ton icebreaker Almirante Irizar was returned to service ten years after a disastrous fire destroyed much of the ship. The Bahamas Defense Force commissioned its third and fourth 100-foot Stan Patrol 3007 patrol craft in 2017. Two of the country’s 375-ton Baha- mas-class patrol craft are being up- graded, and a new bridge training simu- lator is expected for delivery this year. Brazil has scrapped plans to modernize its aging 33,000-ton aircraft carrier

São Paulo and announced in 2017 that DEFENCE OF NATIONAL DEPARTMENT CANADIAN the 50+ year old vessel would instead Canada deployed the submarine HMCS Chicoutimi to the Asia-Pacific region. be readied for decommissioning. While Brazil hopes to acquire a new aircraft mid-2020s to replace Iroquois-class de- trol craft with larger 2,000-ton multimis- carrier in the future, budget shortfalls stroyers and Halifax-class frigates. Can- sion patrol ships in the future. In 2017, will remain a major hurdle. The navy ada also recently completed upgrades on Chile retired its fleet of Cessna O-2A has offered to buy the soon-to-be-re- all of its frigates, extending their service Skymaster naval surveillance aircraft and tired 21,000-ton helicopter carrier HMS lives into the 2030s. In late 2017, Can- is replacing them with new Vulcanair Ocean from the United Kingdom. ada renamed its Queenston-class joint P68 Observer 2 patrol aircraft. Brazil’s frigate force has continued to support ship program the Protecteur Colombia hopes to acquire a class of contribute ships to international deploy- class. At least two of these new 21,000- up to eight new frigates beginning in the ments, notably the Maritime Task Force ton logistics ships are expected for ser- late 2020s. In 2017, Colombia took de- of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. vice beginning in the early 2020s. The livery of its third domestically produced Plans for a class of new 6,000-ton mul- first of six 338-foot Harry DeWolf–class offshore patrol vessel, based on the Ger- tipurpose frigates have been postponed Arctic/offshore patrol ships are being man OPV-80 design. An enlarged vari- for the time being, and the country is built, with delivery of the first planned ant of the class is under consideration. now planning to build smaller Taman- for 2018. Last fall, Canada deployed A number of new riverine patrol boats daré-class 2,800-ton multimission heli- the submarine HMCS Chicoutimi to the are being built, and construction began copter-carrying corvettes. Acquisition of Asia-Pacific region, marking the first on the navy’s fifth locally built 161-foot new amphibious ships is being looked at time a Victoria-class submarine has op- landing craft, expected for delivery in for the future. The first of Brazil’s four erated in the area. mid-2018. new Riachuelo-class diesel submarines, The last of Canada’s CH-124 Sea Ecuador took delivery of the off- based on the French Scorpène class, is King ASW helicopters are due to retire shore patrol vessel Isla San Cristobal expected to enter service in 2020; three by the end of the year and are being re- this past October. The 164-foot OPV is additional units are expected by the placed by 28 new Sikorsky CH-148 built to the Dutch Stan Patrol 5009 de- mid-2020s. The navy’s nuclear subma- Cyclone helicopters. sign. A second unit was launched in rine program remains on the books but Chile commissioned its fourth 1,850- May 2017 and began sea trials later in is not expected to bear fruit before the ton Piloto Pardo–class offshore pa- the year. early 2030s. trol vessel last August. Acquisition of Honduras has ordered a 161-foot Canada’s last guided-missile de- a fourth Duke-class (Type 23) frigate short-range logistics support ship from stroyer, the 5,000-ton HMCS Athabas- from the United Kingdom is under con- Colombia. The vessel can transport up to kan, was retired in March 2017. A new sideration. The navy is also examining 120 tons of cargo for military operations class of up to 15 multirole warships is replacement of its three 450-ton Israe- or humanitarian assistance and is ex- expected to begin entering service in the li-built Sa’ar IV-class guided-missile pa- pected for delivery this year.

74 PROCEEDINGS | MARCH 2018 Jamaica commissioned two new 140- foot Stan Patrol 4207-class vessels in early 2017. The craft replaced three similar but older units, which were retired late in 2016. Mexico ordered a new long-range patrol corvette in early 2017. Construction on the 2,300-ton warship, based on the modular SIGMA 10514 deign, began in August. The navy’s tenth 140-foot Tenochtitlan-class coastal patrol craft, built locally to the Stan Patrol 4207 design, entered service in November 2017. Additional units are planned for the future to replace the Azteca class. Mexico’s navy took delivery of new UH-60M and AS.565MB Panther helicopters last year. Peru’s two new 11,500-ton amphibious transport docks, based on the Indone- sian Makassar class, are being built domestically with deliveries scheduled by 2019. In September 2017, Peru decommissioned its 12,000-ton fleet flagship, the world’s last operational gun cruiser, the Almirante Grau. In its place the Ital- ian Lupo-class frigate Montero was renamed Almirante Grau and designated as the new Peruvian flagship. By the end of this year, Peru’s navy expects to receive the last of five refurbished SH-2G helicopters transferred from New Zealand. Several of Peru’s frigates are being modernized to operate the helicopter. The navy hopes to acquire at least two new 5,000-ton multi- function surface combatants by the early 2020s. In 2017, upgrades began on the Type 209/1200 submarine Chipana. Sim- ilar modernizations are planned for three other submarines of the class through the early 2020s. Uruguay’s navy has taken delivery of three Cessna O-2A Skymaster naval surveillance aircraft that were retired from Chile this past year. The aircraft will be used for maritime patrol and search-and- rescue duties.

n MR. WERTHEIM is a defense consultant, col- umnist, and author specializing in naval and air force issues. He edits the Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, published by and available from the Naval Institute Press.

MARCH 2018 | PROCEEDINGS 75