NEWS Indian press reports indicate that New Delhi is
about to lease two Russian nuclear submarines in a deal involving the Akula (Project 971) class ships, including the newly-completed Nerpa. The reported $350 million agreement will last for five years, although neither Indian nor Russian sources will admit its existence. The Russian solution is being sought because
of development problems with the indigenous nuclear submarine design, the Advanced Technology vessel (ATV). This ship still seems many years away from completion, with some reports suggesting a date of 2011.
China may build carrier by 2010
A senior military parliamentary delegate has said that China has the ability to build its first aircraft carrier by 2010. The unnamed delegate to the National
People’s Congress, who held a rank equivalent to a vice admiral in the People’s Liberation Army Navy, was quoted by a pro-Beijing newspaper in Hong Kong. He confirmed long-held beliefs in the West
that there is a research and development programme and that this was proceeding rapidly. China is interested in aircraft carriers partly because of the need to secure its sea lanes and coastline, and partly because of Taiwan. There is also concern about a conflict on
the Korean Peninsula and the carrier is seen as underlining Beijing’s position in disputes with neighbours over islands. There is a strong belief that China is re-
activating the former Russian carrier Varyag. The ship has been in Dalian since March 2002 and has received Chinese naval markings. Recently, Russian defence equipment
exporter Rosoboronexport noted hopes of selling 50 Sukhoi Su-33 fixed-wing combat aircraft with a US$2.5 billion contract, signed in December. The Russians stated that China is acquiring
two for trials ‘…with an aircraft carrier it is building.’ Russia has since offered to help China to design an aircraft carrier. The design would be based upon Varyag.
Project Protector behind schedule?
New Zealand’s Project Protector may be as much as six months behind schedule. The programme is based upon a multi-role
vessel, HMNZS Canterbury (see elsewhere in this issue of Warship Technology), two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), and four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV). HMNZS Canterbury was to have been
delivered in December, and the last of the OPVs, HMNZS Wellington, was to have been commissioned in November. However, Defence Minister Phil Goff
has recently stated that all seven ships will be delivered over the next 18 months with HMNZS Canterbury being delivered in June. The multi-role vessel is reported to have problems with its rudder and the ramps of its landing craft, while there are also issues with the integrated logistics system and training packages.
10 New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff says HMNZS Canterbury will be delivered in June. Venezuela plans nine submarines
Venezuela’s chief of naval operations has revealed plans to acquire up to nine submarines at a cost of $3 billion. If completed, the plan announced by Vice
Admiral Armando Laguna, would make Venezuela Latin America’s largest operator of submarines. Officially aimed at securing the country’s Economic Exclusion Zone, it is widely viewed as being aimed at the United States, due to the deterioration of relations between Washington and Caracas. According toNaval Spyglass, Venezuela, which
operates two Type 209/1300 (Sábalo) class boats with a submerged displacement of 1600tonnes, is seeking ones with a displacement of about 1750tonnes. Venezuela claims France, Germany, and Russia are competing but the latter is still regarded as the favourite with Amur 1650. Caracas has already placed some US$2 billion
worth of orders with Spain for four corvettes and four offshore patrol vessels. It is reported to be seeking an agreement with Spain to replace American-made components in eight vessels.
Yard to build river boats
Colombia’s Cotecmar is reportedly ready to build the Lancha de Patrulla de Río de 40 Pies (LPR 40), which is based on Bender Marine’s Tenerife class river patrol boats, of which nine were acquired in 1993 as LPR 93. They will have a nationally designed ‘Jeyur’
weapons system. The yard recently launched its sixth river support craft for the Colombian Navy. The vessel has been named ARC Teniente de Fragata Juan Ricardo Oyola Vera.
Barracuda contract awarded
French defence procurement agency DGA has announced that it has awarded the Barracuda SSN contract to the DCN group and partner Areva-TA. The contract calls for the delivery of six new-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines, and through-life support services during their first years of operational service. The programme has been split into an initial
contract (tranche firme), followed by six options (tranches conditionnelles). The contracts cover
design, development, production, and through- life support. The initial contract is worth over €1 billion out of a projected total of €8 billion over 20 years. The first Barracuda SSN is scheduled for
delivery in 2016. The group's contribution will be led by DCN Cherbourg, supported by Lorient, Indret, Ruelle, Toulon, and Saint-Tropez, along with industrial partners in several regions of France. Within the DCN/Areva TA programme
consortium, DCN will act as the submarine prime contractor, including responsibilities as overall architect, platform and propulsion system prime contractor, systems integrator, nuclear safety studies coordinator, and through- life support prime contractor, while Areva TA will act as prime contractor for the nuclear power plant. The Barracuda programme will meet the French
Navy's operational mission needs by providing replacements for six current-generation Rubis class SSNs. In addition to anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities, the Barracuda will accommodate intelligence-gathering and the deployment of special forces, and carry MDCN cruise missiles providing a land strike capability. The payload of 20 tube-launched weapons will comprise a mix of future heavyweight torpedoes, cruise missiles, and SM39 anti-ship missiles.
Correction
In the January 2007 issue of Warship Technology, in News, in the article ‘No repairs for fire-damaged sub’, we incorrectly stated that the submarine HMCS Chicoutimi (the former Royal Navy submarine HMS Upholder) was to be paid off. Commander Marcel Hallé, acting director
maritime equipment program management (submarines) at National Defence Headquarters – Canada, has contacted the magazine to advise that there is no intention to pay off the submarine, and Chicoutimi will rejoin the fleet on completion of her scheduled refit.
WARSHIP TECHNOLOGY MAY 2007
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