The Valour class is a class of frigates built for the South African Navy. Part of the MEKO family of warships, the German shipbuilder Blohm+Voss officially designate the class as the MEKO A-200SAN.

Designed as a multiple purpose, multi capable frigate, the Valour class encompasses the general guided-missile anti-surface and anti-air role forming the core of the South African surface fleet. The Valour class frigates employ the use of stealth technology to avoid enemy radar and infra-red detection.

Four Valour class frigates were constructed for the South African Navy as part of the Strategic Defence Package 1999. The first, SAS Amatola, was commissioned in 2006, with the fourth and final, SAS Mendi, commissioned in March 2007. The frigates have a service life of 30–40 years. In 2024, a planned voyage by SAS Amatola to participate in the Russian Navy's "Navy Day" in St. Petersburg had to be cancelled due to “current defects to the vessel”.

The Valour-class vessels are named in honor of acts of distinguished bravery in South African military history.

Development

The concept for the Valour class (Project Sitron) was first conceived in the late 1990s as part of the Strategic Defence Package, in which the new South African ANC government was keen to modernise the armed forces after decades of apartheid-era United Nations sanctions. Since the 1970s, previous attempts to replace the aging Type-12 (President class) frigates, as well as the 'W' (Jan van Riebeeck) class destroyers, had repeatedly been aborted due to sanctions, strategic considerations and financial cost. Following from the successful experience of constructing SAS Drakensberg in 1987, it was briefly considered that a class of frigates could be locally constructed at the same shipyard. However, an increasingly deteriorating security and financial situation by the late 1980s within South Africa put an end to the project. As the final Type-12 frigate was retired without replacement in 1985, the intensifying Border War forced the navy to shift operational focus away from the regional capabilities of large surface units to a purely localised coastal force, with a new core of offshore patrol vessels and mine hunters. As white minority rule came to a negotiated end by 1994, the Navy had lost all its major surface warships and suffered from a critical lack of anti-submarine and anti-air capability, operating nine increasingly obsolete strike craft OPVs and three aged diesel electric submarines.

The Spanish frigate design, the Álvaro de Bazán class topped an acquisition effort in 1995 under Project Falcon, however this was later cancelled in favour of the wider Strategic Defence Package.

In 1999, an initial tender of five general purpose warships that could negotiate the tough sea conditions off the South African coast was met with four designs being proposed by the United Kingdom (GEC F3000), Germany (MEKO A200), France () and Spain (Bazan 59B). The ANC Government was keen that the newly democratic South Africa would play a leading role in African peacekeeping missions, and as such required a naval force that had regional capability. The winning design had to be able to conduct sustained operations at sea - potentially far from a home port, provide gunfire and transport support to land forces, have helicopter capacity, and undertake a range of general offensive and defensive missions, as well as regular maritime patrols on behalf of law enforcement.

The Valour class has been designed with growth in mind, based around future technology and flexible mission requirements. The design allows for a flexible mission bay with space for two ISO containers, a recessed boat bay on either side of the ship, and wide passageways to aid maintenance, upgrades and store replenishment. Even after the fitting out of weapons systems and sensors, the A200SAN allows for a 200-tonne margin of future growth, 20% spare electrical generation, and 37% spare cooling capacity.

The propulsion system of the class is unique amongst other warships. Using a CODAG-WARP arrangement (Combined Diesel and Gas turbine - Waterjet and Refined Propellers), the design utilises two controllable pitch propellers and single water jet. In diesel-only mode the arrangement is very fuel-efficient as a single engine can drive both shafts for speeds of up to . An independent centre-line gas turbine drives the water jet, coupled by a small reduction gear, eliminating the need for another combining gearbox. The water jet can be used alone, or combined with the diesel engines to achieve the maximum speed of nearly . A reverse-thrust bucket is also fitted that can be raised to redirect the water jet forward, giving the class the shortest stopping distance of any other similar warship.

  • I – Economical mode: One diesel engine driving both shafts, maximum propeller speed: 150 rpm and up to 18 knots.
  • II – Maneuvering mode: Both diesel engines driving both shafts, maximum propeller speed: 200 rpm.
  • III – CODAG-WARP: Both diesel engines and the gas turbines engaged, maximum propeller speed: 215 rpm and a maximum speed of over .
  • IV – Gas turbine only: Gas turbines powering water jet only.

These frigates are expected to spend about 80% of their at-sea time in modes I and II, allowing for a maximum range of at . The A200SAN is also conspicuous for the lack of any funnel or uptakes in the centre of the ship, resulting in more space for above deck weapons and accommodation. The ships are exceptionally quiet and vibration-free as a result, and add further to their already high level of stealth characteristics.

The ship's steering gear consists of a steering unit and twin semi-balanced underhung rudders. There is an emergency steering station in the superstructure in the event of damage to the bridge and they can also be operated by hand from the steering gear compartment. To improve the ship's performance in a seaway, they are fitted with a B+V Simplex Compact stabiliser system.

This class of warship has seven independent Noske Kaeser air-conditioning plants allowing the ship to operate at a pre-set temperature and moisture level in ocean water ranging between , and the air temperature between . This also keeps the air pressure in the citadel five millibars higher than on the outside to prevent the drawing in of RBC (radioactive, biological, or chemical) contamination. These ships are also fitted with Sulzer und Weise seawater fire-fighting pumps and sprinkler systems. These are also ready to wet down the warship's ammunition magazines. In addition, a fire-extinguishing system protects the gas turbine and diesel engineering areas. The galleys are fitted with an ANSUL system and the flight deck and hangar with a Noske Kaeser Hy FEx foam fire extinguishing system. Two Pall Rochem reverse-osmosis plants generate of fresh water each every 24 hours. This water is provided to the galleys, messes, and drinking water supplies, and it is also used for cooling the guns, the air-conditioners, and the engine room, in addition for washing the helicopters. Water pumped to the guns, sensors, and air-conditioners is chilled by two Noske Kaeser refrigerators. An oil-fired hot-water boiler, made by the same company, provides the ship's heating, whereas the hot water for the galley and messes comes from a , 45-kilowatt electric geyser. With a main crew of 92, plus eight aircrew, stores can last for up to 28 days when on station.

Weapons, countermeasures, capabilities and sensors

The four Valour-class frigates are armed with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, a range of multi-purpose weaponry, and can operate helicopters that significantly improve and extend operational ability. The class have been hailed as the most powerful surface units in sub-Saharan Africa, and have restored South African naval pre-eminence. The Umkhonto system can engage up to four targets simultaneously, and the all-weather missiles can reach distances of 8 km in approximately 18 seconds while maintaining resistance to countermeasures.

Anti-surface warfare

The vessels are fitted with two 4-cell launchers for up to eight MBDA MM40 Block 2 Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, with a range of . Maximum speed of , with sea-skimming capabilities, preprogramed manoeuvres, active radar seeker and a high explosive fragmentation warhead.

Anti-submarine warfare

The ships are fitted for but not equipped with two torpedo tubes.

Countermeasures

The ships are equipped with Saab Grintek Avitronics SME 100/200 ESM (Intercept and Jammer) & ELINT and two Saab Grintek Avitronics MRL Super Barricade chaff launchers (96 decoys) for countermeasures.

Electronic systems and sensors

40% of each vessel's costs are related to the combat-management system installed on the Valour class, with 75% of the combat suite being developed in South Africa. thumb|Capt. Jimmy Schutte, commanding officer of SAS Mendi, gives US Navy commanders a tour of the bridge the South African Navy Valour-class frigate

The frigates mount a Thales Naval France MRR-3D NG G-band multi-role surveillance radar which is a lightweight phased array antenna that operates as both a surveillance radar and a self-defence system sensor with automatic mode switching. The MRR-3D NG in surface mode can detect low and medium-level targets at ranges of up to , and in long-range 3D air surveillance setting up to 140 km. For self-defence, any threat within a radius of 60 km can be detected and tracked.

Two Reutech RTS 6400 monopoles X band (I/J bands) combined radar and optronic trackers are also equipped that are a high performance, domestically designed and manufactured radar tracker with a 60 km operational range. They also mount a Teutech Electro-optical Tracker, a Tellumat Integrated Naval Identification Friend or Foe System, M-Tek Target Designation Sights, a Thales UMS4132 Kingklip Sonar, and an MDS 3060 Obstacle Avoidance Sonar.

Also included is a computer-based "Naval Logistic Management System" that controls the on-board maintenance planning and execution by automatically generating weekly check-lists and repair schedules. Replenishment at sea can take place over the bow, over the stern, or amidships. Liquid and dry goods as well as passengers weighing up to can be transferred this way. Vertical replenishment via helicopters can take place over the helideck and/or the foredeck. Were funding to be made available, envisaged possible upgrades included:

  • The main naval gun, the OTO Melara 76 mm/62 compact, will be upgraded to enhance both fire-support and self-defence capabilities. The current calibre has long been known to be an interim cost-saving measure, with senior naval officials well aware that the gun is far too small to support operations. Improvement could range from the more affordable: upgrading the 76 mm/62 from Compact to Super Rapid, with the rate of fire increasing from 85 rounds per minute to 120, to the more costly: replacement with the 127 mm/64 Lightweight Naval Gun. Depending on the type of ammunition in use, range could increase from compared to the 76 mm/62. Although a slower rate of fire at 32 rounder per minute, the 127mm/62 would offer far greater hitting power. The naval gun is already in service with four navies, with another three as future operators, including Spain, the Netherlands and Canada. The Algerian El Radii-class frigate is equipped with the 127 mm/64, and is in essence a sister class to the Valour as the El Radii are also based on the MEKO A-200 design.
  • Land attack missiles: the class deliberately lacks a land-attack cruise missile capability for political reasons: such weapons are seen by some as “too aggressive” and out of keeping with the Valour-class's “defensive posture”. However, like its peers the South African Navy recognises the growing importance of fighting in the littoral battlespace and supporting land forces during operations. As a result, a land attack missile capability is likely to be investigated as funds become available and sensitivities are assuaged.
  • Current stock of Exocet MM40 Block 2 antiship missiles range, will be upgraded to Block 3 standard of range.
  • The Denel Umkhonto surface-to-air missile will be upgraded to maintain superiority over evolving threats. Current stocks are of the short range point-defence Umkhonto-IR missile with an operational radius of . It has not yet been announced whether the South African Navy wish to purchase the improved medium range, area defence, infrared homing (Umkhonto ER-IR) with a radius of , or the highly capable beyond visual range Umkhonto-R with a radius of over , which is still in development alongside the Brazilian Navy. Alternatively, enhancements have been made to the current IR Block 2 missile, with ranges extended from 15 km to over . This could therefore be the most affordable option.
  • The Thales MRR G-band air/surface search radar and the majority of the electronic warfare suite, such as the Grintek EWASION system and the Saab Avitronics radar support system will be replaced.
  • The existing combat management system, including the Electro-optical tracker will be replaced, or upgraded by a new system.
  • New rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) with improved communication systems will be carried.
  • Embarked Super Lynx maritime helicopters will have enhanced self-protection systems.
  • After operational experience in the Mozambique Channel on anti-piracy duty, the class will be fitted with bow thrusters to improve manoeuvrability when working in confined and austere ports in the region.
  • Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV): It is anticipated each of the frigates and the multi-purpose hull vessels will carry an AUV for minehunting purposes, obviating the need for specialist vessels.
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV): The Navy is following the ongoing development of rotor-propelled UAVs and plan to purchase some, to a scale of two per ship, when the technology matures.
  • Indications suggest that the class will be equipped with close-in detection systems in order to face new threats that have emerged in the littoral environment. IED technology has spread to the African region and reports of missile attacks by non-state actors have increased in recent years.

Ships of the class

{| class="wikitable"

|-

! Ship name !! Builder !! Laid down !! Launched !! Commissioned

!Status

|-

|

| Blohm + Voss, Hamburg || 2 August 2001 || 6 June 2002 || 16 February 2006

Simon's Town

|In Service

|-

|

| Howaldtswerke, Kiel || 26 October 2001 || 5 December 2002 || 20 July 2006

Simon's Town

|In Service

|-

|

| Blohm + Voss, Hamburg || 28 February 2002 || 2 August 2003 || 17 February 2007

Simon's Town

|In Service

|-

|

| Howaldtswerke, Kiel || 28 June 2002 || October 2003 || 20 March 2007

Simon's Town

|In Service

|}

The class have also been heavily utilised in international training exercises and visits with other naval forces, particularly the United States Navy, the German Navy, the French Navy and the Royal Navy.

In 2010, the four frigates were deployed to provide air and sea security for the FIFA World Cup that was being hosted by South Africa. Three frigates, at any one time, acted as guardships off the cities of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban.

Since 2011 the deployment to the Mozambique Channel to tackle piracy under Operation Copper has been one of the major and long-standing focuses of the frigate force. After increased piracy for a number of years, fellow South African Development Community members requested help in policing the crucial import and export sea lane. Since the beginning of operations, every frigate has been deployed on rotation and maritime piracy has fallen substantially, with marines regularly being embarked in order to board suspect vessels.

See also

  • List of active South African Navy ships
  • List of frigate classes in service

Equivalent frigates of the same era

  • Type 054
  • Project 11356R

References

  • Naval Technology page on MEKO A
  • South African Navy: Valour Class frigate page
  • DefenceWeb Fact file: Valour-class small guided missile frigates