Is there any truth in the assertation that the SAN is seeking to prcure an LPH (Landing Platform Helicopter) or similar such vessel?

In a recent interview, an interesting point was made by the Officer Commanding the Royal Navy's squadron of LPH's and LPD's. "Globally speaking, naval planners are facing a new set of operational criteria. In terms of rapid deployment of surface units, the emphasis is upon force projection. It's not merely about making war ... but of keeping the peace."

From a strategic Sub-Saharan African maritime force projection perspective, it makes eminent sense to acquiring such a vessel or vessels. Given that many of the conventional naval units of many of the world's navies are being opposed by small but highly effective "anti-navies" (i.e. small, inexpensive, highly mobile - and expendable surface vessels that are capable of inflicting huge damage to surface units - as was seen in the suicide terrorist attacks against several US Navy warships in the Persian Gulf and in the Yemen), the need to police the world's sea lanes effectively is becoming a major secrutiy issue. Given too that the vast majority of South Africa's bilateral international trade is transported by sea, there is an urgent need to able to deal with - and also to be seen to deal with - any conventional or unconventional maritime threats, including that of regional piracy (a fast escallating regional problem and that of such other "anti-navy" threats referred to above.

I would welcome further debate on the issues raised above.

Graham North

Hi Graham,

thanks a lot for your comment!

Indeed the rumour is resurfacing from time to time. It already has been said a few months ago that European countries could be willing to fund the vessel to make sure South Africa has appropriate means to ensure stability around the horn of Africa as well as the capacity for future peace keeping missions.

The fact that such speculation surfaces repeatedly together with the plans to acquire a fifth frigate seems to show that the importance of adequate force projection capabilites for the South African Navy as you have described them are not out of sight of the DoD and SANDF planners.

Would it be related to "MAPANTSULA" (Acquisition of Multi-Purpose Hull vessel) and/or "Project Millennium"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SouthAfricanNavy#Other_programmes

cheers,

Jan

Hi Jan,

thanks a lot for the hint, I will add this info from the Wikipedia as a news article. I assume this is indeed the same project.

Stephan