Readers may tire of the Corvette’s supply issue, but there is constant evolution, with changes, modifications, and clarifications. So the Navy and GDAEE are constantly working on this problem, while trying to get the best out of both contestants.
Electronic warfare system requirements
However, the most important change that occurred from the perspective of the Navy was in the matter of electronic warfare. The new AGEN and the new ANS want the new ships of the PN to have the full relevant capabilities and this finds a response. So on the Gowind show, from the usually “difficult” French, the group Digital Shark now appears, from the Israeli Rafael And with an advanced ECM jammer, while the entire “package” will integrate with the battle management system (CMS) SETIS.
The Italians, who chose Nettuno anyway as an option, now offer it “within” the final price, after absorbing the extra cost. We remind you that last year the Supreme Council of the Navy in the specifications of the corvette “excluded” ECM, and the Italians offered it, but at a separate cost, in the event that the PN (!) insists on taking ships without an electronic warfare suite.
The point is, PN is no longer limited to adding a jammer, but requires an advanced ESM installation. Earlier on our page it was confirmed that the FDI frigate (as well as the Greek version of the FDI HN) has an advanced ESM system with basic capabilities, capable of covering the 2-20 GHz band. PN now wants coverage in the 0.5-40GHz range, in order to fully address all threats.
Panagiotopoulos: Cruisers will be judged on the details
Italian supremacy
At the moment, the proposal that covers most of the PN in terms of specifications is the Italian proposal, which has shown maximum flexibility, both in terms of armament and equipment. The CAMM-ER anti-aircraft missile meets the requirements of the PN and there are only positive proposals for the specific MBDA weapon. The Italians also viewed with interest the integration of the ESSM Block 2 missile, if requested by the Greek side. They also accept the issue of the battle management system to change it to TACTICOS.
Overall, as we’ve written before, the Italian design, because it comes from a new design effort, is a better performer than Gowind, which comes from an expansion of a smaller design. As often stated, the FCx-30 is essentially the size of a MEKO200HN, and if the Italians chose to push the gas turbine, the speed would comfortably exceed 30 knots.
On the contrary, the primary choice of combat system, which is the ATHENA system, is causing concern in PN. Also, many of the subsystems will be different than those that will serve either the new FDI HN, or the updated MEKO200HN. So, over time, PN will find itself with 3 different ship types, 3 different CMS’s, and completely different subsystems.
Discussion: 12 frigates and 6 corvettes in the Navy, a national goal, but how do we get there?
French integration
On the other hand, the French proposal is more prepared due to the “friction” between the manufacturer and the PN and a deep eye for detail. Thus, an extensive list of changes was requested from the French, regarding the compatibility of Gowind HN systems with FDI HN. If the French accept it, and of course without increasing the price offered, Gowind HNs will already have a few systems in common with FDI HNs. The various publications, which spoke of commonalities, will be confirmed next, but after great effort by PN and GDAEE!
As far as the main missile system is concerned, the French will likely remain steadfast on the MICA issue and there is no set timeline or eventual CAMM/ER integration/certification cost. Alternatively, there is a new offer from MBDA at a lower price on the MICA NT (from 20 km range), with the guarantee that it will be bought back and replaced with a MICA NG. NG as we have written will not be available until about 2029, in sufficient quantities for our country, and the limited production that will start in 2026-2027 will cover the urgent needs of the French Arborea.
Thus, if selected, Greek Gowind HNs would begin their careers with the MICA NT, only to obtain the MICA NG form a few years later. This meets the requirements for PN performance, even if it lacks some CAMM-ER features. MBDA this time became more careful in its handling, and also provided many necessary tools to PN, within cost as always.
The biggest “feature” of the French proposal remains the joint CMS with FDI HN, the focus on anti-submarine operations and the maturity of the solution. The disadvantages of MICA NT remain As is the low speed. The Egyptian Navy has not been able to confirm the performance of its Gowind (as promised), And PN…
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