Reviving an old thread/topic (put the news of the submarine deal and india's response that its "not a big problem for india", pakistan needs to counter not tit for tat, but with a high tech response, not scissor vs scissor in rock/paper/scissors, but advanced asw rock vs scissor)
the PN should really consider asking the Nawaz government to seek the purchase of three RN Type 23 Frigates (the type 26 replacements should be available to the royal navy around 2019/2020, so this is the perfect time to free up some funds for them, and for the PN to pick up relatively young, relatively modern ASW platforms to give the PN a game changing capability)
(I will post in multiple posts so the follow will be easy to read, as there are many finer points to consider, and as which you will see how the type 23 in 2015 is a MUST acquisition for the PN if it wants to effectively counter the Indian submarine threat, and have a modern AAW capability)
The PN strategic requirements as I see it is to become an anti-access force first, preventing enemy attack from along the coastline, and to become a surgical strike force second, once targets are defined in any operational or tactical sense.
To Fulfill this mission the PN will need better C4ISR within its areas of operation (primarily the Pakistani Coastal area, and secondarily along the enemy's coast, the Arabian sea, bay of Bengal, and around the target areas inside enemy territory)
with C4ISR superiority, the PN can impede enemy strikes and carry out its own. In the anti-access role, a strong AAW/ASuW/ASW force needs to be built up. The PN is planning out the submarine acquisitions, but even these should follow acquisition of a top notch Surface ASW platform (which can help refine any design chosen, with ASW exercises, and make an even more potent submarine from which the surgical strikes and advances deep into enemy territory can be made from)
The PNS Alamgir (the ex-usn frigate) is stripped down and very old, basically an OPV vessel to fulfill coalition support operations, and only good for exercises with the USN, turkey, and other NATO nations
the PN needs to acquire the Type 23 frigates, they are the best options out there, and can fulfill the mission of AAW, ASW and support the smaller vessels which can do the ASuW.
Some Points to prove the Type 23s are a MUST for the PN if it wants to leap into a quality navy and not just a navy with relatively small numbers and already antiquated technology.
1. The current Chinese Type 054A and PN F-22P Frigates shares the noise CODAD (Combined Diesel and Diesel) layout, while quieter ASW/AAW European Frigates (Type 23, FREMM and German F125) have the CODLAG (Combined diesel-electric and gas). China is currently developing Integrated Electric Propulsion; the quietest propulsion tech, but while they work on making IEP more cost effective and efficient, the PN should learn from the Type 23 and bring its experience to the table when new frigates become an option for the PN in 10 years time.
2. With a European Platform, Pakistan should tie a deal to get a number of key transformational technologies and weapons systems, and be prepared to pay big bucks to acquire then latest tech. The Type 23 already is a reliable platform design with relatively modest operating cost. it already has a VLS section, and enough aft deck space to fit a number of upgrades. it has enough space for a large helicopter, and the best one for the PN there would be a NH-90 NFH, but we can come to that later. With China as one source, and possibly the Turks to help advance the ex-USN frigate, a British/European source for more technology, will return the Pakistan to a navy cobbled together with the best of the world, but organized and well trained upon to get the most bang for their buck, allow the nation to free up as much money to develop economically, until it is ready to build new high tech AAW Frigates and ASW Frigates.
3. Everything learned can be applied to the F-22P, Azmat class Fast attack craft, and any future developments. ASW training alone will teach the PN how to operate submarine at their best (the type 23 can be used to train against and learn how to design a submarine that we will be quiet enough to evade detection). surface vessels can be redesigned to have lower signatures (acoustic, infrared, radar, etc.) and crews can be trained to be capable of handling the true full spectrum of scenarios. Even the officers up the chain of command can learn through exercises with the royal navy, a modern european way of commanding a high tech AAW/ASW task force and can try new tactics, which will allow them to have a whole range of new options their older vessels couldn't let them do. couple this with a few SAAB Giraffe 4A or Giraffe 8A radars on high hills along the coast to give long range detection of enemy aircraft/weapons/surface ships, and data link it to the ships, and you have navy able to maintain naval superiority within its territorial waters.
The British plan to soon acquire the Type 26 Frigates for their navy, so THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE. they have 13 Type 23 Frigates, but are only upgrading 8 with modern ASW equipment. which hints at 5 early model ships which can be let go of first. the Chileans may try to get a few, the PN NEEDS TO TRY TO BUY AT LEAST 3 Type 23 FRIGATES. 3 is a strong number to allow them to be of any use in a conflict.
with the French rafale deal, the French should be assumed to no longer be suppliers for any upgrade the PN plans. but first let's look at the state of the 5 ships the PN could acquire. Argyll (F231), Lancaster (F229), Iron Duke (F234), Monmouth (F235), and Montrose (F236). These 5 were commissioned between 1991 and 1994. they can give the PN another Good 10-15 years before the end of their lives if they are acquired within the next 3-5 years.
Argyll (F231) 1991 -
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/HMS_Argyll_(F231)_with_Senegalese_patrol_vessel_in_2013.jpg
Lancaster (F229)1992 -
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/HMS_Lancaster_MOD_45155777.jpg
Iron Duke (F234)1993 -
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/84/HMS_Iron_Duke_F234_Cape_Town_Aug_2014.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/HMS_Iron_Duke_Leaving_Portsmouth_MOD_45158578.jpg
Monmouth (F235) 1993
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...th_Sails_for_the_Middle_East_MOD_45152712.jpg
Montrose (F236) 1994
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/HMS_Montrose,_a_Type_23_Frigate,_performed_a_series_of_tight_turns,_during_Marstrike_05._MOD_45145955.jpg
Upgrades (or areas that need to be reviewed to be considered for the following upgrades or something similar)
1. CMS (similar to SETIS or 9LV) and sensor fusion including an improved Operations Room layout
2. Bridge upgrade and navigation aids
3. Smart S Mk. 2
4. Ceros 200 CWI version (for long range missile guidance)
5. New Missiles; good candidate is the South African Umkhonto-R @ 60km (also see if longer range booster can be added for even more range, hopefully all the way to 120km to be able to engage brahmos lo-lo launch point, or before brahmos starts to dive from hi-lo profile), 30 km Umkhonto-IR but also in active radar mode for even closer in engagement, also a 21 cell FL-3000N , along with 1-2 x type 730 CIWS for point defense, all this for layered defense. Umkhonto are similar launch and layout as current type 23's missiles, so an easier VLS change. also Umkhonto-R good for engaging Brahmos, if upgraded with high-performance active RF seeker and high agility like aster 15/30 or sea ceptor/camm with capability against stealthy targets. "Thanks to the unique combination of aerodynamic control and direct thrust vector control called “PIF-PAF, the missile is capable of high g maneuvers. Together, these features give ASTER an unmatched hit-to-kill capability."
Explained – Can The US Navy Can Shoot Down The Deadly BrahMos Missile? | Defencyclopedia
6. the PN already uses the harpoon so that is already integrated with the ship
7. 2087 towed array sonar for world class sonar
8. 3 NH-90 for world class ASW Helicopter, and/or upgrade to PN lynx ASW Helicopters
9. automation upgrade to decrease number of crew (integrated platform management system); controlling propulsion, electrical, auxiliary/ship services, survivability systems, steering and stability
10. Horizon Search radar to catch threats on the surface or near the surface like supersonic anti-ship missiles. similar to Australian spook radar
11. complete overhaul of current system to be operating at peak performance (similar to how Ex-USN frigate was cleaned up and fixed up)
12. advanced COMMS in mast (latest satellite comms)/ Link-16/22 system integration / data links, latest stuff
13. CANTO-V Countermeasures
Defenses against Submarines and torpedoes (Contralto-V (SLAT) Acoustic Decoying / Jamming in Progress) and countermeasures to air attack
the following is from
Naval Analyses
The countermeasures include the DCNS CONTRALTO-V Torpedo Countermeasures system for surface vessels. CONTRALTO®-V is composed of several subsystems for an optimized defense against torpedoes: the reaction system, which calculates & suggests optimized evasive maneuvers and sets off the countermeasures, the deployment system (launcher) fitted to several types of launchers (mortar, pneumatic, rocket) and the CANTO®-V countermeasure. CANTO®-V is a broadband active acoustic countermeasure. It is designed to saturate the torpedo data processing system by emitting specific and smart acoustic signals covering the whole torpedo frequency band in both active and passive mode. Its mission consists in exhausting the threat by creating and constantly renewing hundreds of false targets on a 360-degree coverage area (5 sec deployment). This concept, called dilution/confusion, is the only one capable of defeating advanced torpedoes while consuming less munitions and it is efficient whatever the number of torpedoes or their types and doesn’t need to be deployed far from the threatened ship. Watch the following video to understand how the system operates.
Each of the vessels is equipped with two Sagem NGDS (New-Generation Dagaie System) multiple decoy launchers to counter a variety of threats such as anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. NGDS is integrated in the ship's combat system's detection and warning system and can react automatically to current or emerging threats, in extremely short times. Each system is equipped with a single dual launcher including decoys (infrared, radar or acoustic) adapted to the threat to be neutralized. The NGDS system adapts to all types of munitions: electromagnetic or IR decoys, Active Off board Decoy (AOD), Anti-Torpedo Decoy and/or laser jammer, deployed at short, medium or long range. The launchers are linked to a computer that selects the decoying best-suited technique. The Electronic Warfare Coordination Center provides the commanding officer with the ship’s tactical situation and coordinates the various Electronic Warfare (EW) tactics: threat evaluation, tactics optimization, coordination of decoys, radar jammer and more generally, electronic countermeasures Electronic Support Measures (ESM).
14. Advanced Torpedoes (Such as Mu-90 and F21 Torpedoes); ones that can defeat latest countermeasures
15. electronic warfare - ESM detection (radar detection and comm detection)
the following is from
Naval Analyses
Antenna of ALTESSE
The communications include a variety of equipment. Thales ALTESSE is a high performance wideband for Communication ESM providing early warning and tactical situation awareness capabilities based on interception and direction finding of the radio communication signals in HF and V/UHF band, that can be easily integrated with Combat Management System. The TMR6200 are receiver-exciters that use digital signal processing technology to offer cost-effective and highly flexible radios for HF naval communications systems. They can be operated independently as a standalone radio via the control panel or within an integrated naval communications system offering voice, data, messaging and e-mail services. The Thales TUUM-6 Digital Under Water Communication System offering Long range Low Probably Intercept (LPI) data transmission, high data rate transmission and communication with divers. Other equipment includes Link 11, Link 16, satellite and commercial communications with Syracuse antennas (SURFSAT-L terminal), the Thales TRN 4000 Fixed Frequency UHF Transceiver and the Thales PARTNER Communication Management System to cope with crew reduction and a friendly use of the communications.
16. ECM Electronic Jammers
the following is from
Naval Analyses
Electronica NETTUNO 4100 electronic jammer
The ECM equipment of the Aquitaine class is very advanced offering a range of high fidelity jamming techniques designed to counter long range search radars, target acquisition radars and missile radars operating in both their search and locked-on modes. It includes a Thales VIGILE ESM/ELINT system, a Thales TSB 3520 ATC & IFF Combined Interrogator Transponder and two SIGEN EW systems combining Thales ESM sensors and Electronica NETTUNO 4100 electronic jammers for active electronic defense. The NETTUNO-4100 can exploit a wide range of ECM techniques against surface search and tracking radars in support of anti- surface engagements. Some of the characteristics of these jammers (according to the company) include a very high performance, smart ECM modes, both noise and deception, exploiting DRFM-generated jamming signals, multi-threat jamming capability, electronic beam steering (electronically stabilized against ship movements), high level of readiness (no warm-up), full solid-state design ensuring high ERP and graceful degradation in case of failure and high reliability and maintainability. The frigate of Royal Moroccan Navy lacks these jammers.
17. Irst integrated into the mast (TV / IR surveillance)
the following is from
Naval Analyses
Thales Artemis IRST (Infra Red Search and Track) system is based on a full stare sensor suite and advanced real time algorithms for automatic detection and tracking. Artemis is designed to provide full tactical situation awareness for simultaneous surface and air surveillance. Directly connected to the Combat Management System, the IRST is able to provide confirmed tracks at long range on threats such as anti-ship sea skimming missile, fighter or small craft, and to deliver images to the crew to improve situation awareness. Artemis uses three sensor units fixed on a mast or topside structure to achieve 360°surveillance coverage in azimuth, with each connected to a central processing unit by a fibre-optic link.
18. active missile decoy system to distract enemy missiles Similar to Australian Nulka
19. latest minor structural modifications to further reduce the signature (thermal/ir, noise level: new propeller design, RCS, Electro-magnetic signature, LPI radar feature)
20. upgrade existing gun (keep same gun, change barrel to fire more advanced rounds perhaps)
21. advanced European unmanned unwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles and unmanned aircraft from the large deck of a type 23 frigate)
22. towed decoy
23. target submarine drone to train against (saab av-62)
24. upgrade hull mounted sonar to long range sonar
the following is from
Naval Analyses
The ships are equipped with a Thales UMS 4110 CL low frequency active and passive Bow Mounted Sonar and a variable depth towed sonar. The hull mounted sonar covers a very large area providing ASW all-round surveillance as it can detect any kind of threat or object from a long range in any environmental condition. Similarly with the towed sonar has an excellent target positioning allowing to prosecute and engage distant submarines with organic weapons or airborne assets. It is manned by a single operator. The towed sonar array is the low frequency active and passive variable depth sonar CAPTAS 4 / UMS 4249. The sonar according to Thales is capable of very large detection (even very quiet submarines in deep and littoral waters) in every environmental condition and it is very accurate and reliable in target positioning allowing to prosecute and engage distant submarines with organic weapons or airborne assets, The sonar is deployed and recovered automatically (manned by a single operator!).
25. survivability upgrading to handle battle damage
26. upgrade to crew facilities (air conditioning, etc. to improve morale and crew readiness)
27. European asroc equivalent
28. MBDA MM-40 Exocet Block III and the latest European torpedoes
29. advanced IFF
china should refine the platform (054 Family of frigates; perfect size for the PN) while the PN acquires and learns from the best of the world's systems, and in collaboration develop a world class AAW frigate in the 2020's when the PN has the money. these are developing IEP propulsion, they can take the next 10-15 years to refine their designs, by which time the PN could acquire few ships. Turkish AESA radars could be added to try out new tech as they lead into their TF-2000 Destroyers. With Indian Rafale Deal, French re-supplies should be assumed not reliable, and initial equipment might not materialize, so other sources should be looked for instead. Pakistan should keep an eye out for Sweden, Britain, and the Dutch (Smart S Mk. 2), turkey, and south Africa.
Acquiring the Type 23 would become transformational move for the PN
