Future of the South African Navy looks bleak despite new ships entering service
The delivery of new Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) to the South African Navy (SAN) and the commissioning of the second of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs), SAS King Shaka Zulu, on 29 October 2023 highlights some the problems the service faces. The SAN currently lacks direction with disagreements over future procurement priorities and use of scarce funds as South Africa’s defence budget continues its downward trend.
Damen Shipyards Cape Town is delivering the three MMIPVs, with the first-of-class SAS King Sekhukune handed over in June 2022. The third, to be named SAS Adam Kok, is likely to be delivered next year to complete
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy takes delivery of New Jersey SSN
The USN’s Virginia-class SSNs are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs. The Virginia-class SSNs are fitted with the latest sensors and weapons and around 48 submarines are planned, with a total of 38 currently ordered.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.