INFOGRAPHICS #65: Future Surface Combatants Vol. VΙII (Wicher class, ...)

Written by D-Mitch

In this post, I include some of the infographics I made and published on social media, about new surface combatants that are under construction and about to enter service in the near future. 

 

1. Wicher-class (Arrowhead 140PL/Miecznik Project) frigates of the Polish Navy (3 ships)

 

Wicher class frigate of the Polish Navy. Image from the YouTube video by Kamil Sa here.

 

 

Naval Group Makes Progress with its Revolutionary MPLS CIWS

At Euronaval 2024, Naval Group shared the latest with its "Multi-purpose and Modular Launching System" (MPLS), a RAM-like close-in weapon system (CIWS) which takes the concept a step further: By being Multi-purpose and Modular, the launcher brings revolutionary capabilities and is particularly relevant in today's context. First introduced at the Naval Innovation Days (NID) a year ago, Naval Group’s MPLS marks a significant technological advancement. The launcher is being developed in partnership with experts from the French Navy and the French defense procurement agency (DGA), in order to offer 100% user-centered innovation and to meet the new operational challenges of navies and their budgetary constraints. It involves several ammunition partners (such as KNDS and Thales) and suggests other future collaborations for next generation ammunition. My story for Naval News, here.

Greece’s Second FDI Frigate Receives PSIM Integrated Mast

The hull of the second Greek FDI HN frigate, Nearchos (F602), was floated out of the dry dock on September 19, 2024. The innovative integrated mast PSIM (Panoramic Sensor & Intelligence Module) was fitted on the frigate today, October 23, 2024. Approximately a month after the technical launch of the second Greek FDI HN frigate Nearchos (F602) from its dry dock at the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, the final structural component—the PSIM integrated mast—was installed today on the ship. This mast, along with the inverted bow, is a key characteristic of the FDI design. The Naval Group’s mast is a separate module, manufactured independently of the hull and well in advance of sea trials. It can be powered up, tested, or even used for training purposes while still onshore. Weighing 150 tonnes and standing 42 meters tall, the integrated steel mast, known as the Panoramic Sensors and Intelligence Module (PSIM), incorporates the ship’s Command Information Center (CIC) with the latest version of the SETIS Combat Management System (CMS), a planning room for mission command staff during flagship operations, and one of the two digital data processing centers (the other is located aft in the hull for survivability). The mast also houses the majority of the ship’s above-water sensors, providing continuous 360° surveillance. My story for Naval News, here.

On Board Kimon: Greece’s First FDI Frigate

On Friday, October 4, 2024, just three days before the first sea trials of the first FDI for the French Navy, Amiral Ronar’ch (D660), and the last day of the Euronaval 2024 Press Tour organized by GICAN, Naval News had the opportunity to board the first of three Greek FDI-type frigates under-construction, Kimon (F-601), which is in the final stages of completion at Naval Group’s shipard in Lorient, France. The acquisition of the new FDI HN frigates will mark a milestone as after about three decades, since the four Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigates entered service, Greece will finally acquire modern main surface units. My story for Naval News, here. 

Greece Initiates Talks for 4th FDI HN Frigate and Cruise Missiles

During his visit to Naval Group’s Lorient shipyard on September 19, 2024, for the launching ceremony of the Hellenic Navy (HN)’s second FDI HN frigate ‘Nearchos‘ (F602), Greek Minister of Defence Nikos Dendias announced that Greece will enter negotiations to purchase a fourth FDI HN frigate and to equip a number of them with naval cruise missiles (NCM). The intention to purchase a fourth frigate by Greece reflects not only the satisfaction of the Navy’s leadership with the progress in the construction and capabilities of the new frigates but also the government’s confidence in the FDI program. My story for Naval News, here.

Greek Shipyard Delivers Blocks for France’s Second FDI

On July 13, 2024, the Salamis Shipyards delivered five (5) pre-equipped blocks of the second (and fifth in the production series) French Navy defence and intervention frigate (FDI) (Admiral Louzeau). These blocks were constructed at the Salamis Shipyards in Salamis, Greece, and are already en route from Greece to the Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France, where they will undergo the next steps in the frigate’s construction. For the first time in history, a Greek shipyard is participating in the construction of a high-tech warship for the naval fleet of another country, specifically France, through the FDI program. My story for Naval News, here.

Centaur: The New Combat-proven C-UAS system by Hellenic Aerospace Industry

Videos and reports about a Greek warship that has effectively protected commercial ships in the Red Sea area, as part of the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, are flooding the press and social media this month. This warship is none other than the Hellenic Navy Hydra-class (MEKO 200HN) frigate Psara, which, despite its age and condition (having undergone only minimal upgrades or changes), seems to meet threats without even using a single one of its valuable and expensive RIM-162 ESSM Block 1 surface-to-air missiles (SAM) (Hydra-class frigates carry 16 x ESSM in their Mk48 Mod 5 VLS), relying only on its Mk45 Mod2A 127mm gun and a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) system installed shortly before departure. The recently revealed system is called Centaur, a product of Greek design and development, specifically by Greece’s largest state defense industry, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), which developed it with its own resources. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Navy Conducts Massive Live Missile Firings

On July 2nd and 3rd, 2024, the Hellenic Navy conducted a series of live missile firings, launching nine (9) missiles of five (5) different types, encompassing all the ship-launched guided missiles in its inventory. Notably, certain missile systems, such as HARPOON anti-ship missiles, were used for the first time in 25 years. The last instance was in the autumn of 1999 when the frigate Hydra participated in the NATO exercise BRIGHT STAR, focused on the Eastern Mediterranean. My story for Naval News, here.

Hellenic Navy commissions general-support ship for special operations

The Hellenic Navy commissioned its first general-support ship for special operations, Perseas (ex- VikingVision ), during a ceremony held at Salamis Naval Base on 11 June. The ship – a former seismic vessel converted into a multi-purpose naval vessel – was donated to the Hellenic Navy by the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation. My story for Janes here.