Question is why didn't they order a larger batch of Horizons, economies of scale and all that! - Two is just enough to protect CdG when on active service, what will happen when/if PA2 is ordered, the number will have to be cut to one complimented by a single new FREDA? It appears strange to have two new classes of DDG's, built in such small numbers.
+1
The Loreint yard where horizons were built are busy with the FREMM. ANS STX need some work, so a 3rd mistral was ordered. The canceling of the 6 additional FREMM has increased the cost of the FREDA. The CDG and or PA2 carrier groups will be fine, but the Mistrals are bascially defenseless with Simbad. The FREDA will be the main escorts for the amph groups. In real hostile warzone they will probably be assigned to a carrier group. I have a rumor that 16 additonal A70 vls can be added forward to FREMM. i seen some sources in French, but the DGA doesn't confirm the rumor.
No the FREDA has an improved Herakles radar, it sounds like a very poor AAW ship compared to a Horizon.
reminds me in many ways to the early t-42 the idea is seemed quite sound not sure about the execution
The carrier groups will be fine even if the E-2s can't fly because of bad weather. The FREDA will be almost identical to the FREMM, so the MN should be able to upgrade 1 to 2 FREMM to the FREDA standard if they need more AAW frigates in the future. The MN biggest weakest is it's ASW frigates. The Dupleix (D641) is the only ASW frigate assigned to CDG CBG near Libya. Five FREMM will be based at Brest leaving just four FREMM for the CBGs and amph groups. Each group usually has two ASW frigates. The MN needs to buy OPVs with ASW systems for the FOST, so all of the FREMM can be assigned to the Force d'action navale. The Mistrals are far more vulnerable to ASUW missile than the CDG. The CDG has 32 Aster 15 and 2 sadral launchers. The Mistrals only have simbad launchers.
The 295 its not a carrier capable aircraft, in fact this airplane is targeting a completely different costumer, that is those countries that cant afford a big AWACS like Spain or Norway...
I dont know about the swiss and the finns, but surely I can tell you that not a single EF-18 has ever even tried to do so.
Unless they are carrier qualified pilots no they haven't and won't.
The Greyhound is out of production. Some years back Grumman offered to reopen the line to which the USN declined ... the exact year eludes me but it was around the time when the US Navy was looking for a common platform to replace the S-3, KS-3, KA-6, ES-3, EA-6 and possibly (a long shot) the E-2.
Yes it seems that USN is trying to convince France & UK to join the C2's replacement program
Do you think turning on your ships powerful radars is a better tactic than a stand off AWACS?
