Thursday, January 7, 2021
RoKN Unveils Revised Conceptual Design for Future Light Aircraft Carrier
The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) unveiled on 3 January a revised conceptual design for its future next-generation light aircraft carrier.
The latest design, which confirms that the vessel will not feature a ski-jump, features a twin-island arrangement. The computer-generated imagery (CGI) also appears to confirm that the service plans to operate Lockheed Martin F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) Joint Strike Fighters from the vessel. Naval helicopters, somewhat similar in appearance to the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk, can also be seen on the carrier.The RoKN pointed out, however, that the latest conceptual design can be further revised during the basic and detailed designed stages.A second image provided by the service shows the vessel, which is being acquired under the LPX-II Project, operating as part of a carrier group alongside what appear to be KSS-III-class submarines as well as KDX-2-, KDX-3 Batch II-, and KDDX-class destroyers, and a Soyang (AOE-II)-class logistics support ship.The latest developments come after South Korean officials and defence researchers held their first meeting in late October 2020 to discuss the development of “core technologies” for the carrier. The country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced at the time that a total of seven institutions and companies, including the Agency for Defense Development, Pusan National University, and LIG Nex1, would take part in the development process, which is expected to be completed by 2024.
As an example of core technologies, DAPA cited the planned development of coating materials to protect the flight deck of the 40,000-tonne carrier.
Philippines - Torpedoes, Chaffs, Acoustic Decoys for Jose Rizal-Class Frigates being Procured
LIGNex1 SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missiles and LIGNex1 K745 Blue Shark torpedoes will equipped Jose Rizal-class frigates (photo : MaxDefense)
The Department of National Defense (DND) is now in the process of acquiring torpedoes, chaffs, and acoustic decoys for the Jose Rizal-class frigates constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea.Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) Lot 3C, which is for the acquisition of acoustic decoys, will be having its submission and opening of bid envelope (SOBE) on February 16. FAP Lot 3B, which is for the acquisition of chaffs, is scheduled to have its SOBE this month.
FAP Lot 3A is for the acquisition of torpedoes. “Lot 3A for Torpedoes will be acquired through Negotiated Procurement, which MaxDefense believes is with the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (ROK MND). This means that the procurement would be for the K745 Blue Shark torpedoes from LIGNex1, which is the only Korean-made lightweight torpedo model,” MaxDefense Philippines said.
FAP Lot 2, which was also divided into sublots, is providing missiles and gun munitions. In December 2020, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief Lieutenant Commander Maria Christina Roxas said “[Deliveries for] the surface-to-air missile is October 2021 and March 2022 for the surface-to-surface missile.”
FAP Lot 1 provided the platforms. BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) was delivered in July 2020, the future BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is expected to be delivered early this year 2021.
Preparation in Australia Underway to Build New Frigates
Prototyping is underway at the Osborne shipyard in Adelaide in preparation for work to start on Navy's Hunter-class frigates.
Defence's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group's first assistant secretary ships Sheryl Lutz said five prototype blocks would be built in the prototyping phase to test the shipyard's production systems, develop the facilities and ensure the workforce was trained and ready to build the Hunter-class frigates.“Nine of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates will be constructed in Australia and the prototyping phase marks the beginning of a decades-long program that will be the cornerstone of continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia,” Ms Lutz said.
“The Osborne shipyard is a world-leading shipyard, which will enable Australian industry do its job constructing this advanced fleet of frigates for the nation.“Raising the capability of Australia’s shipbuilding industry is central to the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise as we continue to develop a truly sovereign maritime industrial base.”
Ms Lutz said the prototyping phase of the Hunter-class frigate program would end in 2023.“The actual construction phase of the Hunter program is scheduled to commence by the end of 2022, with prime contractor BAE Systems Maritime Australia, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, already supporting Australian jobs,” Ms Lutz said. The Hunter-class program will be the cornerstone of the Federal Government’s $183b Naval Shipbuilding Plan, which will see more than 70 naval vessels built in Australia.
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