Moroccan sSigma Corvettes

[Spacearrow99]

According to Mer et Marine, Morocco has ordered of 3 Dutch Sigma class corvettes.
The configuration of the corvettes is not known at this time.

Configuration of Indonesian Sigmas
2 Block 2 Tetral Systems
Exocet MM40 missiles
1 76mm
2 20mm
6 torpedo tubes for Italian A244

The Royal Moroccan Navy needs to add a light towed sonar, like the Captas Nano to its Sigmas

http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=106539

The Moroccan fleet is old, so this isn't a big surprise. This may delay the signing of the Moroccan FREMM contract.

 

[kato]

The Moroccan fleet is old, so this isn't a big surprise.

Oh, but the numbers are. Three Sigmas plus one FREMM as replacements for two Floreals and one Descubierta? Serious upgrade. I would have expected two at most in such a deal, and not necessarily Sigmas. Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*

They'll need something new to replace their patrol boats sometime soon, and the Sigmas are definitely not on that line.

Someone could make some good money these days with a cheap modern 600- to 800-ton OPV.

 

[Spacearrow99]

Morocco probably want cancel, its ASW FREMM. Tensions have been building between Morocco and Algeria. Algeria has 2 operational Kilo class submarines, and has ordered another 2 Kilos.

 

[Salah-ed-Din]

The Sigma's are not replacements for the Floreal class frigates. The Descubierta class will be retired while the Floreal, FREMM (if materialized) and Sigma's will be operational.

 

[swerve]

... Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*....

Different class of vessels, & the combined tonnage of 3 is less than one FREMM.

I'd say that buying or not buying the FREMM is a question of whether or not they really want - or can afford - such a large & capable ship, & what political message they want to send. The last, unfortunately, is often a major factor.

 

[harryriedl]

Oh, but the numbers are. Three Sigmas plus one FREMM as replacements for two Floreals and one Descubierta? Serious upgrade. I would have expected two at most in such a deal, and not necessarily Sigmas. Three make sense if they want to withdraw on the FREMM contract *cough*

They'll need something new to replace their patrol boats sometime soon, and the Sigmas are definitely not on that line.

Someone could make some good money these days with a cheap modern 600- to 800-ton OPV.

that would be interesting but i can you fit a decent mount of weponds and the associated radar and power plant on such a small hull. There are the 10>150 FAC's which Israel has exported to SriLanka but these are coastal vessels

 

[contedicavour]

Ok this is weird. The Moroccan navy will operate simultaneously 2 Floreal OPVs, 3 totally different Sigma corvettes and a single FREMM (ASW I read ??). This is a perfectly inefficient way to strengthen a navy, 3 totally different classes of ships for a grand total of 6 ships ??

While the Floreal were perfect to patrol the Atlantic Ocean, and while I may understand the logic of the Sigma as FAC replacements in the Mediterranean (as mentioned, to keep an eye on Algeria), I don't really get what the FREMM would do other than hugely expensive flagship - besides, what version of the FREMM would it be ? Aster 15 or 30 ? Land attack (which might make sense to provide an asset vs Algeria) ? ASW (first start buying ASW helos and patrol aircrafts) ?

I remain puzzled. Let's see how the situation evolves.

cheers

 

[Spacearrow99]

Ok this is weird. The Moroccan navy will operate simultaneously 2 Floreal OPVs, 3 totally different Sigma corvettes and a single FREMM (ASW I read ??). This is a perfectly inefficient way to strengthen a navy, 3 totally different classes of ships for a grand total of 6 ships ??

While the Floreal were perfect to patrol the Atlantic Ocean, and while I may understand the logic of the Sigma as FAC replacements in the Mediterranean (as mentioned, to keep an eye on Algeria), I don't really get what the FREMM would do other than hugely expensive flagship - besides, what version of the FREMM would it be ? Aster 15 or 30 ? Land attack (which might make sense to provide an asset vs Algeria) ? ASW (first start buying ASW helos and patrol aircrafts) ?

I remain puzzled. Let's see how the situation evolves.

cheers

The Moroccan FREMM will probably be a downgraded LA version. The LA FREMM is much cheaper than the ASW version. LA FREMM has a hull sonar and MU90 torpedos for self-defense. The Moroccans could choose VL MICA, to cutdown the price of their FREMM. And yes, it probably be a hugely expensive flagship.

 

[Spacearrow99]

Aviationeek was confirmed the Moroccan Sigmas order. Even if RMN doesn't order its FREMM, it will have vastly upgraded its capabilities.

Weapon Systems

VL-Mica
76mm Oto Melara
MM40 Exocet
MU90 torpedoes

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blog...79a7Post:b9f672a5-abfe-4d8b-a8fa-1144be7390d5