Future of the Royal Saudi Navy

Counter the Iranian threat, at all costs...

Cartography
Of the entire Saudi Arabia Land, 0,7% were of water
Coastlines: 2640 km; a EEZ of 228,633 km2 (with 34,023 km2 In the Gulf and 185,882 km2 In the Red Sea).

Personnal Strenght
+/- 15 000 (including 3000 marines)

Up to 2 destroyers ?
With the growing threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, rumors indicate the possible sale of "up to two US Arleigh Burke AAW (BMD capable) destroyers (second-hands or newly built ?)......as usual...wait & see.

This "possible purchase" could threaten the "Sawari III program" (it is very doubtful than the Saudis can buy up to 2 US large destroyers, 8 to 12 US LCS and 3 or 4 large French FREMM frigates....at the same time).

+/- 7 Frigates
Up to 3 or 4 newer Frigates ? (Sawari III program)
This contract (expected [hoped] by the French), would be 3 or 4 French FREMM frigates, expected to replace, around 2015/2020, the four ageing Al Medinah FFG's....as usual...wait & see...

3 Al Riyadh
(Al Riyadh, Makkah, Al Damman). 4500+ tons, 133 meters (Improved French Lafayette FFG design). Commissioned by 2002/2004, with probably +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around mid 2030's.

4 Al Medinah
(Al Madinah, Hofouf, Abha, Taif). 2500+ tons, 115 meters (derived from the French Georges Leygues FFG). Commissioned by 1985/1986, with probably +/- 30 year of service, to be retired by late 2010's.

+/- 13 Corvettes (to be replaced by 8 to 12 ? LCS)
4 Badr
(Badr, Al Yarmook, Hiteen, Tabuk). 900+ tons, 74+ meters (US 1970's corvette design). Commissioned by 1980/1983, with probably +/- 30 year of service, to be retired during 2010's.

9 Al Sadiq
(Al Sadiq, Al Faroung, Abdul Aziz, Faisal, Khalid, Amr, Tariq, Oqbah, Abu Obaidah). 450+ tons, 58+ meters (US 1970's small corvette design). Commissioned by 1980/1982, with probably +/- 30 year of service, to be retired during 2010's.

3 Mine-Hunters
3 Sandown
(Al Jawf, Shaqra, Al Kharj). 480 tons, 52+ meters (British Sandown MCM design). Commissioned by 1991/1994, with probably +/- 30 year of service, to be replaced around early 2020's.

Small Amphibious
4 Al Qiaq (LCU)
(Al Qiaq, As Sulayel, Al Ula, Afif). (US LCU 1646 design), built by 1975/1976.

4 to 9 Dheba (LCM)
(Al Leeth, Al Quonfetha, Haqil, Dheba, Umlus, 212, 214, 216, 218). (US LCM 6 design). Transferred by 1977, some maybe unserviceable ?

2 Auxilary Ships
2 Boraida (AO)
(Boraida, Yunbou). 10 000+ tons, 135 meters (modifief French Durance AO design). Commissioned by 1984/1985, with probably +/- 30 year of service, to be retired by late 2010's/early 2020's.

2 Royal Yacht
1 Abdul Aziz
(Abdul Aziz). 5200 tons, 147 meters, built by 1983.

1 Al Yamana
(Al Yamana), 1600 tons, 87 meters, built by 1988.

Many Smaller Crafts (Mid Shore/In Shore Patrols Vessels), uncertain data
Some SRN 6 Overcrafts
Maybe some "Rapier" Crafts
Maybe some "Scorpion" Crafts
Up to 2 Explorer CGV-26 IPV
Some "Halter" Crafts
Some "Simoneau 51"
Some others crafts.

Royal Saudi Marins +/- 3000 troops
Armored Vehicles: 140 BMP-600P

Saudi Naval Aviation
Helicopters
- 12 AS 532/AS 332 Cougar Mk II/Super Puma (with AM 39 anti ships missiles)
- 12 to 24 AS 365 Dauphin (with AS15TT light anti ships missiles).
- 13 Bell 406 CS Combat Scout (status uncertain ?)
- Up to 64 ? NH 90 ? expected to replace nearly all ageing helico (1980's/1990's built).

Next Fleet Review : Future of the Indonesian Navy

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the Singapore Navy

Between protecting the Straits of Malacca and confront the arms race in Asia...

Cartography
Of the entire Singaporian land aera, only 1,4% were of water (Rivers/Lakes)
Coastlines: 193 km (63 islands included), with a EEZ of 823 km2

Personnal Strenght +/- 9000
22000 regular and 1800 conscript (+ 5000 reservist)

6 Frigates
6 Formidable
(Formidable, Intrepid, Steadfast, Tenacious, Stalwart, Supreme). 3200 tons, 114+ meters (French Frigate design). Commissioned by 2007/2009, with a probable +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around late 2030's/early 2040's.

6 Submarines
2 Archer
(Archer, Swordsman). 1400+ tons, 60+ meters (former Sweden Vastergotland SSK's, late 1980's built). Transferred by 2009/2010, likely to remain in service until mid 2020's.

4 Challenger
(Challenger, Conqueror, Centurion, Chieftain). 1100+ tons, 51 meters (former Sweden Sjoormen SSK's, late 1960's built). Transferred by 1997/2001, likely to remain in service until late 2010's.


6 Fast Attack Missiles Crafts
6 Victory
(Victory, Valour, Vigilance, Valiant, Vigour, Vengeance). 580/650 tons, 62 meters (German MGB 62 FAC design). Commissioned by 1990/1991, with probably +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around early/mid 2020's.

12 Patrol Crafts
12 Fearless
(Fearless, Brave, Courageous, Gallant, Daring, Dauntless, Resilience, Unity, Sovereignty, Justice, Freedom, Independence). 500 tons, 55 meters. Commissioned by 1996/1998, with probably +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around late 2020's/early 2030's.

4 Mine Warfare Ships
4 Bedok
(Bedok, Kallang, Katong, Punggol). 360 tons, 47+ meters (Sweden Landsort MCM design). Commissioned by 1995, with probably +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired by mid 2020's.

4 Medium Amphibious Ships
4 Endurance
(Endurance, Resolution, Persistence, Endeavour). 6500/8500 tons, 141 meters. Commissioned by 2000/2001, with probably +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around 2030.

Singapore Coast Guard (Singapore Police Force)
+/- 101 In Shore Patrols Crafts
2 Manta-Rays
(Manta Ray, Eagle Ray). 20 meters. Built by 1998.

12 Shark
(Hammerhead Shark, Mako Shark, White Shark, Blue Shark, Tiger Shark, Basking Shark, Sandbar Shark, Thresher Shark, Whitetip Shark, Blacktip Shark). 140 tons, 35+ meters (Dutch Damen StanPatrol 3507 design). Commissionned by 2009/2010.

11 Amberjack
(Amberjack, Salmon, Tuna, Coral Cod, Cosby, Dolphin, Leatherjacket, Mangrove Jack, Oscar, Pari Burong, Piranha). 20 tons, 14+ meters. Built by 1984.

8 Porpoise
(Porpoise, Hardyhead, PT14, Todak, PT16-17, Thread Fin, Dorado). 14+ meters. Built by 1987/1989.

25 Ray
(Angler Ray, PT22, Bull Ray, Butterfly Ray, Cownose Ray, PT26, Electric Ray, Flynose Ray, Flying Ray, Giant Reef Ray, River Ray, Roughtail Ray, PT34, Shovelnose Ray, Spotted Ray, Sting Ray, Thornback Ray, Torpedo Ray, PT61, PT62, Black Ray, Jaguar Ray, Flower Ray, Fiddler Ray, Starfish Ray). 18 meters, built by 1999/2000.

32 PC
(Tiger Ray, PC202, PC203, Kob, PC205, Rock Cod, PC207, Slinger, PC209, Sailfish, PC211, Snoek, PC213, PC214, PC215, PC216, PC217, Leopard Puffer, PC219, Silver Angel, PC221, PC222, PC223, Guinean, Spotted Bass, Sawtooth, PC227, Blackspot, PC229, PC230, PC231, Pickhandle). 11+ meters. Built by 2002.

11 PK
(Sailfish, Spearfish, White Marlin, Silver Marlin, Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Jumping Marlin, Billfish, Swordfish, Spikefish). 12 meters, built by 1995/2000.

Others Small Crafts
4 RHIB
(PJ-1/4). 6 meters. Built by 1997. 6 Others (White Marlin, Silver Marlin, Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Jumping Marlin).

Naval Aviation
Aircrafts
Few Fokker F50

Helicopters
Some SH-60 B Seahawk.

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the Icelandic Navy (Coast Guard)

Only Sized to protect its natural resources (fisheries...)

Great contribution by "godanov" ;)

Cartography
Iceland is an island nation. The fishing industry accounts for 40% of export income and employs 7% of the workforce.
Coastline: a 4,790 km, and an EEZ of 758,000 km2.

Personal Strength: +150

3 Offshore Patrol Vessels
2 Ægir
(Ægir II, Týr II). 1,214 tonnes, 71m. Commissioned by 1975.

1 Þór (Highly modified Norwegian Barentshav built at ASMAR yard in Chile)
(Þór III). 4000 tons, 94 m. Commissioned late 2011.

Auxiliary Ships:
1 Baldur (Hydrographic Research Vessel)
(Baldur). 50tons, 20m. Built 1991.

Naval Aviation:
Aircrafts:
- 1 Dash 8-300;

Helicopters:
- 1 AS-322L1 Super Puma.
- 1 AS-365n Dauphin 2.

With the increase in tourism, economic power, and probable near term EU membership, it is likely the Icelandic Coast Guard will receive more funding and equipment is the near-term, however it is unlikely to amount to changes in capacities but an increase in current types.

@ "Godanov"
I have not had time to check your data, but I +/- agree*** with your analysis, thank you !!!

***and add that :...remember that the economic crisis hit hard in Iceland, which will require small Iceland forces to "tighten their belts" for many years (in term of military budget...).

As usual, It may be that this "Fleet Review", godanov forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the Papua New Guinea Navy

It survives thanks to Australian aid...

Great contribution by "Sam" ;)

Cartography:
Of the entire Papua land aera, about 2% were of water (rivers/lakes).
Coastline: 5 152 km; 9 980 km² of water; a EEZ of 2,396,214 km²; and hundred of islands.

Personnel: 200+
200 and +/- 15 Australian supervisors at high command and on each vessel.

Up to 7 Inshore Patrol Vessels
4 Pacific Class
162 tons, 31.5 meters (ANZAC patrol boat design) Commissioned 1987-89. Only one normally active due to fuelling and maintenance issues.

3 Attack Class
(Reserve, Decommissioned, ex-RAN) 100-146 tons, 32.8 meters (Australian patrol boat design) Commissioned (With PNG) 1974, decommissioned ~1988. Held in reserve, some reporters indicate possible usage as training ships. All that is known is that they are now rusting in the Navy part of Port Moresby harbour.

Up to 2 Medium Landing Crafts
2 Balikpapan class LCH
(316-503), 44.5 meters (Australian landing craft design) Commissioned (With PNG) 1974. Thought to be running at the end of their lifespan with both navies now, the RAN has just cancelled a program to replace theirs so it is likely all vessels will be decommissioned without proper replacement.

Up to 10 Other Vessels
Tugs, tenders etc, known to be around the Port Moresby, Manus Island and Milne Bay Naval Bases, unsure of name and quantity.
Warship Names :
Salamaua (01) [LCH]
Buna (02) [LCH]
Aitape (03) [Attack]
Samarai (04) [Attack] Ladava (05) [Attack]
Tarangau (06) [Pacific]
Dreger (07) [Pacific] Seeadler (08) [Pacific]
Basilisk (09) [Pacific]

Generally the Papua New Guinea DF Fleet is not in too bad a shape, thanks to the Royal Australian Navy there is a constant patrol boat of the RAN or Customs Service within their waters and the sailors of the force are very well trained compared to those of other, similar, navies.

For future plans it is extremely likely that they will probably get three or four new patrol vessels to replace the Pacific class from Australia of either the Protector Class IPV or the Armidale Class within the next few years. Some new landing craft may be purchased/donated but they will probably be of a more civilian design. A main desire of the force is to acquire a larger, offshore, vessel of around 2, 000 tons that would have a multi-role capability like the Austal MRV (Baby LCS) design. I would however doubt that they would be able to afford the maintenance on such a complex ship without further Australian support so a modified commercial vessel is much more likely.

@ "Sam"
I have not had time to check your data, but I "generally" agree with your analysis, thank you !!!

As usual, It may be that this "Fleet Review", Sam forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !