It makes me wonder why the PN never expanded on the Azmat class to make a class of ASW corvettes sorta like the Turks have done with the Tuzla class.
The problem is, we dont really have much forward thinking in our forces because they have nobody to be accountable to.
When we look at other navies, they have to answer to the govt, who will question them on decisions. When we look at ours, one CNS (goes for the others too) will enact one project, but another CNS will decide theres other, more pressing needs etc and it all falters when the checquebook is consulted.
Look at the Khalid Class, we got the license, we got the ToT, what did we do with it? Nothing.
Look at the F22P's. ToT was provided, nothing was done.
Once again, the same happened with the Azmats.
The one thing i will say, is the PN is quite a visionary force, but it has its fingers in too many holes and not the budget to back it up.
It is basically building itself from the ground up after years of neglect.
If i was in charge today, i would have streamlined into two platforms above surface.
Damen OPV2500 based corvettes, then a larger, design, perhaps something like the sigma series. I dont like the idea of taking ships then extensively modifying them, because then you're forced to eat the costs of design, development and certification.
Sub fleet would be the main focus, the damen stuff is flexible and can be loaded with mission modules, including those for ASW.
I think we just get a clash of ideas from current/inbound CNS', with each wanting do do different things but not having enough funds for. Otherwise, PN would have built a 16 strong sub force with Khalid's
But isn't something like CAMM-ER integratable as a retrofit on existing vessels? So perhaps PN can pick decent amount of missiles later when funds are available.
Possibly, its just a case of how much they want to spend. The ukrainians we're able to get 8 cell MICA in the rear of their ships,
That does also make me wonder why the PN did not just originally pick such a solution, instead of lengthening the hull and adding to the costs. Maybe they had some other requirements. Where the current VLS is, used to be the botswain locker on the turkish vessels, and then a prayer room also.