Future of the New-Zealand Navy

Only able to conduct small peacekeeping ops in the Pacific/Indian Ocean’s (frigates excepted), but asked thee more ?

Cartography
Coastlines: 15 134 km (9 398 mi).
The country claims the seventh-largest EEZ in the world, covering over four million square kilometres (1.5 million sq mi), more than 15 times its land area.

Personnal strength
(January 2010): +/- 2900 (+ 2500 volunteer)
Regular: 2162; Naval-Reserve: 338; Civilian: 400; Coast-Guard: +/- 2500 volunteer.

1 Sealift Ro-Ro ship
1 Canterburry
“Canterburry”, 9000 tons Ro-Ro (derived from the commercial Ro-Ro "Ben-My-Chree" design). Commissioned by 2007, with probable 25+ year service life expected, to be retired during 2030's. The ship experienced initially some troubles (& even more worse, some initial specification not reached).

2 Small Landing Crats
2 LCM
50/100 tons, 23 meters.

2 Frigates
2 Anzac
“Te Kaha, Te Mana”. 3600 tons multi-purpose frigates from the Anzac program. Commissioned by 1997/1999, with probable +/- 30 year service life, to be retired by 2027/2029.

These 2 vessels will most likely be replaced by 2 future frigates of the same design of future Australian frigates (it intended to replace the Anzac’s, by late 2010’s/late 2020’s). It is very likely that the New Zealand Navy, with limited financial capability, will participate in the Australian project, to reduce the cost of acquisitions.

1 Fleet Tanker
1 Endeavour
“Endeavour”, 7000/12 000 tons, commissioned by 1988. With probable 30 year service life, to be retired by late 2010’s/early 2020.

2 Ocean Patrol Vessels
2 Otago
“Otago, Wellington”, 1900 tons, 85 meters. Commissioned by 2008/2009. Considerable troubles experienced (overweight problems, initial requirement not fully reached). With probable +/- 25 year service life expected, to be retired by 2033.

4 Mid Shore Patrol Vessels
4 Rotoiti
“Rotoiti, Hawea, Pukaki, Taupo”, 340 tons, 55 meters. Commissioned by 2009, with probable +/- 20/25 year service life expected, to be retired by 2030/2033.

1 ocean survey vessel
1 Resolution
“Resolution”, 2200 tons, 68 meters (ex US Stalwart class ships built in the 1980’s, transferred by 1997). Likely to be replaced late 2010's/early 2020's by a civilian loaned (or built) ship ?

1 Diving support ship
1 Manawanui
“Manawanui”, 900 tons, 43 meters. Commissioned by 1988, likely to be retired by late 2010's/early 2020's.

Naval aviation
5 helico
5 Kaman SH-2G Seasprite. (newly built seaframe), Delivered by 2001/2003.

Royal New Zealand Coast Guard (civilian volunteer, SAR use)
+/- 75 various small crafts
(9,5 meters RHIB, few small rescue crafts)

2 helico or aircrafts?

In the recent years, the Royal New Zealand Navy has modernized considerably its surface fleet (newer Sealift/Patrol ships). But the country’s limited resources ($, population), coupled with a “specific” New Zealand policy/strategy, require the Navy to have a naturally reduced format. But this small size is probably a bit too small, because the country has vast areas of ocean in the south Pacific (the seventh largest Exclusive Economic Zone of the world, with 4 million square kilometers). 2 furthers Ocean Patrol Vessel, 3 furthers Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels, few long range UAV and few additionnal SAR helico……would not be too.

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Portuguese Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the Iranian Navy

Any realistic hope in conventional high-sea naval warfare (due to US/Israeli supremacy), but coastal/asymmetrical naval warfare remain the only “serious chance”.

Cartography:
Coastline:
2440 kilometers (1520 mi) in the Gulf + 740 kilometers (460 mi) in the Caspian Sea.

Personnal strength (+/- 53 000):
Regular/Conscript sailors: +/- 28 000; Islamic revolutionary guard corps naval force: +/- 20 000 (including 5000 “marines”); Iranian navy « marines » corps: 2600; Iranian naval aviation: 2600.

+/- 7 Corvettes:
3 Alvand class
“Alvand”, “Alborz”, “Sabalan”, 1540 tons, 94 meters british Vosper Mk5 corvette design of late 1960’s. Commissioned by 1971/1972. Now totally obsolete. Likely to reach the end of these useful life by late 2010’s and +/- replaced by the later “Moudge” class corvettes.

2 Moudge class
“Jamaran”, “Velayat”, 1400 tons. Slightly improved Alvand design with some Iranian indigenous systems. Commissioned by 2010/2012, with probable 30+ year service life, to be retired by late 2040’s. Likely 2 or 3 further ships planned through mid/late 2010’s to replace ageing “Alvand” class.

2 Bayandor class
“Bayandor, Admiral Naghdi”, ex US patrol corvettes PF 103 design (1100 tons, 83 meters), built by 1964. Armed with 4 SSM missiles and guns, now totally obsolete. Likely to reach the end of their useful hull-life by 2010’s and maybe indirectly replaced by newer “Moudge” class corvette or their life will be desperately extended in event of higher tension with US/Israel…

Likely a newer Iranian corvette design (much improved “Moudge”) is under study, and maybe (if any major war erupt with US/Israeli during 2010’s…) 2 or 3 newer ships were expected by late 2010’s/early 2020’s.

+/- 5 Mid-Shore Patrol boats:
3 Parvin class
(Parvin, Bahram, Nahid), 98 tons, 30 meters (ex US PGM-71 design, delivered during 1970’s), gun armed. Likely to reach the end of their useful life by late 2010’s.

2 (or 3 ?) Kaivan class
(Azadi, Mehran, maybe a third boat in unserviceable condition?), 98 tons, 28 meters, gun armed.

24 Fast Missiles Attack Crafts:
10 “Houdong/Thondar” class
(Fath, Nasr, Saf, Ra’ad, Fajr, Shams, Me’raj, Falaq, Hadid, Qadir). 38 meters 170/200 tons Chinese built FAC with 2 SSM missiles & MG, commissioned by 1994/1996, to be retired by late 2030’s.

10 Kaman class
(Kaman, Xoubin, Khadang, Falakhon, Shamshir, Gorz, Gardouneh, Khanjar, Neyzeh, Tabarzin). 275 tons, 47 meters French built “Combatant” FAC family, with 4 SSM missiles & guns. Commissioned by 1977/1981, expected to reach the end of their useful life by late 2010’s.

4 Paykan class
(Paykan, Joshan, Derafsh, Kalat), Indigenously Iranian built & improved version of the Kaman class, 275 tons, 47 meters, with 4 SSM missiles & guns. Commissioned by 2003/2008. To be retired by 2040’s.

Likely some further ships (4 to 12 ?) were planned through 2010’s (Improved “Paykan” or a newer design ?) to replace +/- progressively the ageing “Kaman” class.

+/- 60 Small Fast Missiles Attack Crafts/Torpedoes Crafts:
9 Chinese cat-14
14 or 23? meters, 20 tons Chinese built design, now built under licence by Iran, with 4 SSM missiles & MG. The 5 first ships were delivered by Chinese in 2000, the next 4 were Iranian built ships by 2003-2008. Maybe few others under constructions ?.

Up to 25 Peykaap II class
13 tons, 17 meters, North-Korean built (IPS-16, FAC version), with 2 torpedoes & MG. Real number likely between 10 to 25 ships. Maybe few others under construction ?

10 Tir class (IPS-18)
28 tons, 21 meters, with 2 torpedoes & MG. 10 Mk-13 14 meters Chinese design, delivered by 2006, with torpedoes or SSM missiles.

3 Kajami class
20 meters (North-Korean Taedong B design), delivered by 2002, able to carry 2 torpedoes.

3 Gahjae class
15 meters (North-Korean Taedong C design), delivered by 2002, able to carry 2 torpedoes.

92 ??? Bavar class
(Iranian built). Uncertain data, very unlikely

Likely some (+/- 2 or 3 dozens?) furthers boats (China or North Korean or Iranian designs) were planned through 2010’s to enhance/modernize the Iranian navy coastal defence capabilities.

+/- 110 Small Fast attack Crafts/Patrol-Crafts:
15 Peykaap I class
13 tons, 17 meters, North-Korean built (IPS-16, patrol crafts version), with MG. Maybe few others under construction ?

3 Zafar class
70/82 tons, 85 foot North Korean “Chaho” design, armed with rockets & MG.

6 MIG-S-2600 class
70/80 tons, 85 foot Iranian built, derived from North Korean “Chaho” class, armed with rockets & MG.

10 Pasche class
(MIG-S-1900 design).

20 MIG-S-1800
22 tons, 51 foot Iranian built, derived from US PCI class delivered in the 1970’s. Armed with MG.

6 Mk-II:
22 tons, 50 foot, armed wiyh MG (26 originally delivered by US in 1976/1977).

9 or 10 Mk-III:
28/41 tons, 19 meters, armed with MG (20 originally delivered by US in 1975/1976).

3 Sewart class
10 tons, 40 foot US built (12 originally delivered by US through 1970’s), armed with MG.

+/- 30 Boghammer class (MIG-G-0900)
6+ tons, +/- 9 meters, armed with MG & small rockets. (51 originally delivered bu Sweden by 1984/1985).

Very likely some of these western 1970’s/1980’s built small crafts (Mk II-III/Sewart/Boghammer) were unserviceable/worn-out/in bad-shape due to age/lack-of-spare.

6 Wellington patrol crafts
(2 Mk 4; 4 Mk 5)

1 Iran
A indegenous iranian built small craft ?

+/- 77 Others various small crafts:
3 MIL
(2 MIL 40; 1 MIL 55)

6 GHAEM
(MIG-S-1800 design)

20 MURCE
(MIG-S-0900 design)

15 TARLAN

10 KASHDOM II

20 ASHOORA I
(MIG-S-0800 design)

2 KARBALA
(MIG-S-3700 design)

1 LIYAN 110

+/- 200 miscellaneous small crafts :
+/- 200 (RHIB, small fast “militarized” racing-boats, small-harbor crafts…).

Some of these crafts, although with a very limited autonomy/seakeeping, were able to be used as decoy/suicide crafts.

Nota: Since the late 1990’s, the Iranian Navy has worked to enhance its small patrol boat inventory by purchasing few fast boats (racing-boats, 50+ knots) from foreign speedboat manufacturer (Italian “Fabio-Buzzi (FB)” or British ”Bradstone-Challenger” designs…). Apparently the Iranian Navy “reverse engineered” the boats and began indigenously producing them (likely for Intelligence/Suicide/Harassing ops use).

Unmanned Crafts:
The Iranian Navy also reportedly is working on incorporating small "unmanned vessels" into its inventory, for intelligence/suicide ops.

3 Submarines:
3 Kilo class
4000 tons SSK (Russian Kilo SSK design). “Tareq, Noor, Yunes”, commissioned by 1992/1997. Likely with +/- 30 year service life, to be retired by 2025 and maybe replaced by a indigenous +/- 1000/1500 tons coastal SSK. Likely to be a “main-priorities” target for the US/Israeli forces in event of war.

Up to 13+ Midget Submarines:
1 Qaaem class
“Qaaem”, 1000 tons, under construction.

1 Nahang Class
“Nahang”, 350/400 tons, commissioned by 2006.

Up to 7 Ghadir class
“Ghadir”, others not officially named, 120/150 tons, commissioned from 2007-...

4 Yugo (Yono IS-120 ?) class
25 tons, midget submarine built by North-Korean.

8 ? (likely much more) Swimmer Delivery Vehicle
“Al Sabehar" class ?

8 meters ?...Any serious data found on the open web source (except propaganda pictures...). But it is very clear that Iranian frogmen’s were extremely well trained for special ops (attack on ship at anchor/harbor…).

Very likely the Iranian small sub’s fleet is expected to growth considerably in size during 2010’s because the cost/effectiveness of Midget (25/250+ tons) or coastal (400/800 tons) sub’s in restricted/Shallow waters (aka. Gulf-waters) was considerable (more cheaper/effective/stealthy than bigger 1500+ tons subs designs), and this, despite a smaller autonomy/sea-keeping quality (not very important in restricted/shallow waters).

2 Mine Warfare:
2 Riazi class
(Harischi, Riazi), 98 tons, 29 meters minesweeper (ex US Cape class).
A great shortcoming for the Iranian Navy.

Amphibious:
4 Hengam LST
(Hengam, Larak, Lavan, Tonb), 2500 tons, 93 meters LST, british design derived from Sir Lancelot class. Commissioned by 1984/1985. Likely to reach the end of their useful life by late 2020’s.

3 Iran Hormuz 24
2000 tons, 240 foot, South-Korean built, 1985/1986. Likely to reach the end of their useful life by late 2020’s.

2 (3?) Iran Hormuz 21
1400 tons, 213 foot, Dutch-built, 1984/1985. A third ship unserviceable. Likely to reach the end of their useful life by late 2020’s.

3 “Fouque” class
250 tons, 125 foot Landing Ship Large (LSL), Iranian built 1988/late 1990’s.

6 LCT/LCU “Rotork” class (type 412)
9 tons, 42 foot, British built (originally 14 delivered).

With a ageing amphibious fleet (mainly from 1980’s). It is very clear that the Iranian navy will need to begin newer amphibious ships acquisitions projects by mid/late 2010’s for a first commission by early/mid 2020’s.

Few Hovercrafts:
Few SR N6 hovercraft
10 tons, 17 meters British design, delivered by 1973/1975.

Few BH 7 logistic support hovercrafts
18/56 tons, 24 meters British design. Originally 6 BH 7 (two BH 7 Mk4 & four BH 7 Mk 5A) were delivered to the Iranian navy by mid 1970’s.

But now, with embargoes/ageing-systems/lack-of-spare, nearly the entire Iranian hovercraft fleet (British built) was reduced to a embryonic/anorexic size (some crafts were deliberately cannibalized to provide spare-part for others in better condition, others were in storage, with probable any future hope to see the sea…).

3 Auxiliary ships:
1 Kharg class replenishment ship
“Kharg”, 33 000 tons, 207 meters British design (derived from Olwen design), commissioned by 1984, likely to reach the end of their useful life by mid 2020’s.

2 “Bandar-Abbas” class light replenishment ship
(Bandar Abbas, Booshehr), 4600 tons, 108 meters German built design, commissioned by 1973/1974, likely to reach the end of their useful life by late 2010’s.

With these 3 ageing ships, the Iranian navy need to acquire 2 or 3 newer ships by late 2010’s/early 2010’s.

+/- 24 Multi-purpose tenders:
7 Delvar class water tanker
(Delvar, Charak, Chiroo, Souru, Silim, Sirjan, Dayer), 1300 tons, 63 meters Pakistani built. Commissioned by 1978/1982. Likely to reach the end of their useful life by 2020’s. Can be used as cargo ship/water tanker/minelayers/mothers ships for midget submarines/small crafts.

13 Hendijan class general purpose tenders (MIG-S-4700 design)
(Hendijan, Konarak, Sirik, Geno, Kalat, Genaveh, Savatar, Mogam, Rostani, MMayband, Maqam, Khoramshahr, Bamregan).

4 Kangan class water tanker
(Kangan, Teheri, Marjani, Amir), 12 000 tons (Indian design built), commissioned by 1979. Can be used as a patrol boat.

Some of these ageing (late 1970’s) tenders were +/- in bad shape, few with reduced readiness. Likely some others civilian’s ships were able to be converted as mothers/intelligence ships in a even of war.

Few hundreds of Civilian built crafts:
Several dozen of civilians/privates “Dhow” & “trawlers”, able to be used as mothers ships/Intelligence ships.

Several dozen (or few hundred ?) of civilians/privates owned RHIB/small-crafts, able to be “militarized” as suicide/intelligence/decoy crafts.

Coastal battery/artillery:
Artillery
(likely “shared” between the two “marines corps” & the land army): Without doubt, some 105/122/152mm guns (towed or self-propelled) were used in coastal artillery + some anti-tank missiles or recoilless rifles (75/82/106/107mm) and even mortars (60/81/82/107/120mm).

Airborne anti-ships missiles (shared with Iranian air force):
AS-10 Karen/AS-11 Kilter/C-801K/C-802 and maybe others.

Coastal anti-ships missiles (estimations):
100 + C-802/802A “Noor”.
100 + HY-2 “Silkworm”.
Some C-701T/C-201R/TL-10 A/B “Kosar various versions”.
Some Ra’ad.

Obviously, don’t forget the Iranian naval-mines arsenal, able to disrupt the oil world traffic through the Ormuz strait for several weeks or more likely few months…

Iranian Naval Aviation (estimations):
+/- 55 Helico:
4 Aero Commander ; 4 Shrike Commander ; 2 Bell AB 205; 20 Bell AB 206A; 15 Sea-King SH-3D; 10 Sea-Stallion RH-53D.

+/- 9 Aircrafts:
2 Falcon 20 ; 4 Fokker F27 ; 3 PF-3 Orion.

Some aircrafts from the Iranian air force (F-4D Phantom, Su-24 Fnecer, Mirage F-1) have a anti-ship capability.

In any case, some US/Western built helico/aircraft were in storage or in reduced service, mainly due to embargoes/ageing/spare-part/maintenance problems. Some helico/aircrafts were “cannibalized” for provide urgent spare part for much fewer helico/aircrafts in better condition.

In resume:
In event of a war with US/Israeli force, the biggest Iranian ships (Kilo subs, Corvettes, +/- medium auxiliary/landing ships (500+ tons), 100+ tons FAC) will be easily found & sunk in the first’s dozens of hours in a major war. The smallest units (under 50 tons), the coastal defence (Missiles battery/naval-mines) and the iranians specials forces (frogmens/commandos...) probably represent the main chance for the Iranian navy to effectively “withstand” the first main US/Israeli strike…

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially in small-crafts), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the South Korean Navy

One of the seven largest navy of the world by 2022...

Personnal strenght (+/- 72 000):
+/- 68 000:
(including +/- 28 000 south-korean "marines", +/- 45 000 regular sailors and +/- 19 000 conscript).

+ 4500 (maritime police).

2 LPH/LHD (up to 4):
2 Dokdo Class
18 000 tons LPH, a modern LPH design (derived from dutch Thales Netherlands design studies). "Dokdo, Marado-Island", commissioned by 2007/2011. With probable +/- 30 year service life expected, to be retired by 2037/2041.

2 bigger & improved ships were planned by late 2010’s (likely a 30 000+ tons, full F-35 capable).

Others Amphibious ships:
4 Go Jun Bong class
"Go-Jun-Bong, Bi-Ro-Bong, Hyang-Ro-Bong, Sung-In-Bong), 2600/4300 tons LST style, commissioned by 1994/1998. With probable 35+ years service life expected, to be retired by late 2020’s decade. Likely one of these current ship will be “loaned” to the Royal Malaysian navy .

4 Alligator LST.

Very likely a new program of medium amphibious ships (+/- 3000/5000 tons) was underway, but sorry I not find data about it !

43 landing crafts (2006/2007 estimates + updates)
- 6 LCT, 20 LCVP, 10 LCM.

+ 3 LSF-I (project 12 061E Murena-E).

+ 4 LSF-II (Indigenous built US LCAC).

12 Destroyers/Frigates
3 Sejong the Great class (KDX-III)
"Sejong-the-Great, Yulgok-Yi-I, Kwon-Yul", 11 000 tons, enlarged design derived from US Arleigh Burke IIA flight, a very extremely powerfull AAW ship design, even more capable than the current US aegis CG/DDG ships !, commissioned by 2008/2011. With probable 35+ year service life expected, to be retired by 2043/2046.

Up to 6 "KDX-IIA" by 2022
A second batch of 3 KDX-III, originally planned toward 2018/2022 was finally cancelled because the future south Korean navy needs change rapidly, from very high-end warships (very powerful/ expensive) to a mid-end warships (+/- powerful but cheaper, more affordable in greater number). Consequently, the further three 11 000 tons KDX III was cancelled and replaced by 6 newer 5600 tons KDX IIA (improved KDX II with Aegis).

6 Chungmugong Yi Sun-Shin class (KDX-II)
"Chungmugong-Yi-Sun-Shin, Munmu-the-great, Dae-Joyeong, Wang-Geon, Kang-Gamchan, Choi -Young). 5000 tons. Commissioned by 2003/2008. With probable 30 year service life, to be retired by 2033/2038.

3 Gwanggaeto the Great class (KDX-I)
"Gwanggaeto-the-Great, Eulji-Mundeok, Yang-Manchun". 3800 tons. Commissioned by 1998/2000. With probable 30 year service life, to be retired by 2028/2030.

9 Light frigates (to be replaced by fewer/bigger ships):
9 "Ulsan"
"Ulsan, Seoul, Chungnam, Masan, Gyeongbuk, Jeonnam, Jeju, Busan, Cheongju", 2300 tons, commissioned by 1981/1993. With probable 30+ year service life, all to be retired by 2011/2023 and partially replaced by a newer series of six 5600 tons KDX-IIA frigate (improved KDX-II with Aegis system) by 2018/2022.

+/- 23 Corvettes:
22 Pohang class
1200 tons corvette, in 3 batch :
- 3 Batch 1 (SUW), "Gunsan, Gyeongju, Mokpo", commissioned by 1984/1986.
- 17 Batch 2 (ASW): "Gimcheon, Chungju, Jinu, Yeosu, Jinhae, Suncheon, Iri, Wonju, Andong, Bucheon, Seongnam, Jecheon, Daecheon, Sokcho, Yeongju, Namwon, Gwangmyeong", commissioned by 1987/1991.
- 2 Batch 3 (AAW) "Sinseong, Gongju", commissioned by 1992/1993.

1 Donghae class
"Anyang", 1000 tons, 1983. Likely to be retired soon (3 others similar ships recently decommissioned).

The FFX project (up to 24 ships ?):
These 22 “Pohang” corvettes and 1 “Dong Hae” corvette will be replaced by a newer class of frigate (the FFX project). As usual, this new class of frigate will be much bigger (3200 tons), better armed (a 76 or more likely a 127mm gun, a CIWS system, one helico with hangar) and build in massive number (12 to 24 ships).
The recent "Chenoan disaster" highlight the need for a stronger ASW suit for the future South Korean ships. It is clear that the South Korean Navy will try to integrate in these new vessels a stronger anti submarine capability. If unfortunately the CURRENT FFX design does not include a ASW VLS missiles (to carry Red Shark missile), because the first ship of this series is scheduled for 2012, it is very likely that the first "batch"of 6 vessels (to be commissioned by 2012-2015) will have the original design.
A very likely second "batch" (12 to 24 vessels ? between 2015/2022), probably benefit from greater improvements (superstructures modified, maybe slightly enlarged with a "pluggin" few hull meters added, to more easily insert VLS).

+/- 75 Fast attack missikes crafts (expected to fall in number & growth in size):
Gumdoksuri class
570 tons fast craft intended in 2 batch:
- 24 PKX-A (or Yun Youngha class), a missile patrol ship.
- 18 PKX-B, a patrol boat (Yoon Youngha, Han Sanggook, Jo Chunhyung, Hwang Dohyun, Suh Hoowon, Park Donghyuk, others future craft not yet named). Maybe others "batch" ? planned by late 2010's ?. Intended to replace the ageing "Chamsuri" FAC.

+/- 75 Chamsuri class
170 tons.

12 Submarines (toward a domestic capacity in 2020 ?)
3 (+6) Sohn-Won-Yil class
"Son Won Il, Jeong Ji, An Jung Geun", 1900 tons, type 214 SSK. Commissioned by 2007/2009.
6 others subs was ordered to be commissioned by 2014/2018.

9 Chang Bogo class
"Chang Bogo, Lee Chun, Choi Museon, Park Wi, Lee Jongmu, Jeong Un, Lee Sunsin, Na Daeyong, Lee Eokgi", 1800 tons, type 209 SSK. Commissioned by 1993/2001, with probable +/- 30 year service life expected, to be retired by 2023/2031.

SSK(X):
Likely +/- 3 newer 3000+ tons SSK (of a indigenous design) were expected by early 2020 with a 4th ship maybe to become the 1st south Korean SSN by mid 2020’s ?

+/- 11 Coastal submarines:
2 "Dolgorae" class.
9 "Dolphin" class.

+/- 10 Minewespeers:
1 "Wonsan" class minelayer ship.
3 "Yangyang" class Mine-hunter.
6 "Ganggyeong" class coastal mine-hunter.

+/- 10 Auxiliary's (estimation):
3 "Cheonji" class combat support ships.
1 "Cheonghaejin" class submarine rescue ship.
2 "Pyeongtaek" class salvage/rescue ships (ex us Edenton class).
1 "Sinsegi" class intelligence ship.
1 "Sincheonji" class AGS ship.
1 "Dadohae" class, midget submarine tender ship.

Naval Aviation (estimation):
19 Aircrafts: 16 P3C (8 P3C, 8 P3CK); 3 Cessna F406, 8 S-2E tracker (some in reserve).
38 Helico (+9): 10 UH-60P; 23 Lynx (11 Mk 99, 12 Mk 99A); 5 Alouette III + 9 Hughes 500 (South-Korea Maritime Police).

South Korea Maritime Police (2006/2007 +/- "inacurate" estimates):
1 PSO:
1 "Sumjinkang".

10 PCO:
1 "Han Kang".
3 "Mazinger".
6 "Sea Dragon".

33 PCC
(4 Burkhansan, 7 Hyundai type, 22 Sea Wolf/shark).

+/- 20 PCI
18 Seagull PBI
3 ARS

Several KCH 100 tons patrol boats.

65 KCG 50 tons patrol boats (commissioned by 2002/2006).

South-Korean Marines Corps (estimates):
+/- 28 000 troops.
60 M-47 tank.
+/- 100 AAV amphibious armored vehicles (42 AAV-7A1, 60 LVTP-7).
Some 105 & 155mm guns.

With a continuously growth, the South-Korean navy was expected to reach a considerable size by 2022:
- Two 30 000+ tons LPH.
- Two 18 000 tons LPH.
- 30 to 42 ! major surface combatant (3000+ tons) : Three 11 000 tons KDX-III, Six 5600 tons KDX-IIA, Six 5000 tons KDX-II, Three 3800 tons KDX-I, Twelve to Twenty-fourth 3200 tons FFX.
- Around 18 Submarines : 9 type 214, +/- 7/8 type 209, 1 or 2 SSK(X).

A considerable size helped by the economic/strategic/politic weight of some “Asiatic Giant/Tiger” country by 2020 (China, South-Korea, India, Indonesia, Singapour, Malaysia, Thailand) and by the continual decline of some “western” navy.

Next editorial: Future of the Iranian Navy.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programms ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially in small crafts/auxiliary's/Coast Guards strenght), then said it ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !