The South African Navy & Marine and Coastal Management: Lekota receives SAS Mendi frigate

Lekota receives SAS Mendi frigate

2007-03-20T19:04:00+00:00

Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota officially received the frigate SAS Mendi on behalf of the government at the Port Elizabeth harbour on Tuesday.

The SAS Mendi is the fourth Meko A-200 San frigate built for South Africa by the German arms company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

Lekota said the commissioning of the ship was an important milestone for South Africa.

SAS Mendi was named after the SS Mendi which sank on February 21 1917 during World War I. The ship carried the last contingent of the South African Native Labour Corps from Cape Town to France.

The contingent comprised five white officers, 17 non-commissioned officers and 805 black privates.

Lekota said the commissioning of the ship was a spiritual return of the troops.

He said the SAS Mendi was a symbol of sacrifice, brotherhood and hope.

"The task of the SAS Mendi will be to participate in the maritime defence of our country, the region and the whole continent of Africa."

The SAS Amatola, SAS Isandlwana, and SAS Spioenkop were the first frigates to be commissioned.

Rear Admiral Robert Higgs said the SAS Amatola and the SAS Isandlwana had already participated in a number of exercises.

SAS Mendi arriving from Germany a few months ago - Image: SA Navy

"The SAS Amatola participated in the silver jubilee of the Nigerian navy in Lagos. It overshadowed other navies. It captured the hearts of the Nigerian media and was held up as a symbol of success in the continent."

He said the SAS Spioenkop and SAS Mendi would soon participate in other exercises.

The 121m frigates are specially adapted to the particular demands of the South African navy and are able to perform a variety of operations including defence, environmental protection, and the safeguarding of fishing and economic zones.

Source: Mail & Guardian Online

Comment on Lekota receives SAS Mendi frigate by Webmaster

2007-04-01T06:58:10+00:00

Hi Graham,

as far as I know, indeed the ASW capability of the frigates is currently lacking, nevertheless it has been said that the frigates are planned to grow into their roles and will receive updates to their combat suite and other equipment. The sizing of the ships has been chosen with enough spare capacity in mind. Probably this is the best way as the SAN has not yet had experience in operating warships with this level of complexity in the past, so a step-by-step approach looks sensible.

I have not yet heard anything about planned ASW features up to now. Should you find out something, it would be kind if you could let me know though.

Thanks and regards

Webmaster

Comment on Lekota receives SAS Mendi frigate by grahamnorth@blueyonder.co.uk

2007-03-31T17:57:02+00:00

Recently, I became aware that, despite the delivery of the last of four (4) Valour Class AS-200 Meko frigates, the SA Navy possesses no anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Is this correct? Is this situation being addressed?
Would I be correct in stating that the SA Department of Defense recently entered into or has concluded the development of a locally produced long range ASW missile capable of countering the threat posed by conventional or nuclear submarines operating off Southern Africa or within South Africa's territorial waters? If so, do you have any information on this subject?

Graham North