Ah yes, I seem to remember hearing about sub-standard weapon performance - can't remember if they were u/s a lot or what, but I do seem to remember hearing talk about them being affected by sea-spray & wash. In that case yes, ditch them!
Or look at mini Typhoon for the same role providing far greater accuracy and effects.
Good idea but that means spending money :sniper
Yes that was my thinking - manually operated HMG's could be installed without any great hassle - & relatively little cost. Once you move to the mini-typhoon, there is suddenly a bunch of hoops to jump thru to get approval, there has to be a warranty contract, and money for sensors. Yes mini-typhoon would certainly be preferable across the whole fleet, but one must assume RNZN doesn't see the need, or the cost-benefit analysis doesn;t stack up!
I agree with you about the .50 cals. They are a great problem solver and my favourite automatic weapon having had the pleasure of using them at sea and ashore
I was wondering about how or if the legacy radars on the two ANZAC frigates would be any good at picking up ASMs & fast boats. I realise that they are being replaced for that and other reasons, but my thinking is that the if they are able to do so, then maybe the radars could be transferred across from the ANZAC frigates after the sensors & weapons refit. If this can be done then maybe a Mk41 VLS SDL (Self Defence Launcher) module could be fitted to the MPSC and the LWSC. The Mk41 SDL is shorter and lighter than the standard Mk41 VLS so these to ships could be fitted fitted for bit not with Sea Ceptor. It would future proof the vessels and if required to go near or through a "hot zone" they would have some self defence capability against air and ASM threats. This idea hinges on the legacy frigate radars ability against ASM and fast surface vessels.
I would've thought the RNZN and possibly the MoD MPSC would've had a look over it whilst was in these parts. Navantia probably would've have responded to the RFI issued last year. Cantabria was still in Australia after the RFI response date. In a recent statement the Minister said that a decision will be announced near future.
Thanks NG, yeah that is what I thought, so would have expected if RNZN and MoD did have a look that Navantia would have made a bit of noise about it, but never saw anything in Aus, so was just curious if it made any news locally, but obviously not
Does this mean we might be short on ships?
You would hope the RAN has Choules in tip top shape around that time then. It would seam the most logical plan B if the LHD's are not ready. Our Kiwi brothers may want to make sure HMNZS Canterbury is in fair shape as well. If something is going to go south in Fiji it's highly likely it will trigger around the elections so time is ticking.
Its more complicated than that. The relationship between Fiji, Australia and China is a complex one. The relationship between China, Bainimarama and Australia is also complex. China has been quite supportive of Bainimarama.
What complicates it even further is the fact NZ has huge FTA interests with China, which is a foreign policy goal of Australia also. But China putting too much of a toe in the pond will annoy other Pacific Island Forum nations which a) do want Fiji back in the fold as soon as they elections are completed ( and constitutional isses resolved amicably) and do include the interests of US and Japan who are like China are also dialouge partners.
Sounds interesting and it would make sense to acquire a third OPV. It is a Lt Cdr doing the talking so can be deniable if need be. They'll have learned quite a few lessons with the two current OPVs, so if it is decided to take this beyond a what if, it'll be interesting to see what they come up with. With the money the NZG is investing in SATCOM capability SATCOM on the OPVs would have to be a given. I wouldn't also be surprised if some ISR capability, hasn't already or, will find it's aboard them.
This is a bit interesting for this to come out right now. There have been rumours for a few days, but with Janes on it that raises it a little.
Good news if its true, buts its a very general article with no real specifics
I'm not sure the Navy would get rid of all the IPV they have always been seen as a development tool for junior officers in ship handling (i.e coming alongside). This extract from the 2013 indicates that they seem to play the major role in EEZ activity:
That said there was talk about a year ago regarding how the IPV were used (i.e. general patrol vs targeted patrolling) that potentially raises the issue of numbers.
