Originally posted by thomasct:
Malaysia is buying an UNPROVEN product again, they better hope that
it do not turn into another " Lekiu case ".
This time things are slightly different. Chile, being the launch
customer will be experiencing all the teething problems. Malaysia
will simply ride on back of the changes to be made to the design of
from Chile's project.
For the uninformed, Malaysia order 2 Lekiu class F-2000 frigates in
1992 for delivery in 1995 until to date the ships is still NOT in
service in RMN ( as on 2000 ?? )
Anyone have the latest details on the 2 ships ??
There was some fire-control and combat management systems
integration problem just like the Royal Australian Navy suffers a
similar issue with their Collin class sub. Things like that do
happen for new platform but when they are resolved, the frigates
are going to be quite formidable.
Before anyone will start a " firefight " , let me clarified the
term UNPROVEN - as NOT proven in operational use.
There is NO Scorpene SSKs in service.
All Scorpene SSKs is STILL under production - Chile -order 2 &
My - 2 units.
We still have to give respect to sub "unproven" subs because
they will end up hurting opponent who give them no respect. The
French are good at building subs (even conventional diseal subs). I
am sure that the Scorpene SSKs will give RSN Challenger class SSKs
a run for their money.
Secondly, most of the new convention SSKs are new designs. You can
say the same for the Swedish A17, A19, Israeli (German made and
designed) Dolphine, European U212s, etc. So far, none of the new
builts does not come from a purely new design. Are you saying then
these "unproven" subs are all junks? In fact, all these new design
improve many things over the "proven" design in the area of
acoustic signature, engine design, fuel cell and air-independent
technology, integrated combat systems, sonar technologies... I
would rather RSN go for a totally new design sub than a "proven"
sub like the U206 class. I would like to see RSN go for Scorpene,
Dolphine, A19 or U212.
Anyway, RMN having Scorpene SSKs is " so what" position to Sg. for
the following reasons :
# Only 2 boats - by right there should be a minimal of 4 boats so
have a boat out on station at all time.
says who? Yes, 2 boats are a little short but how do you know
that RMN would not order more in the near future? Just like RSN
policy of getting a handful first than order more later.
# By 2010, when the RMN SSKs are ready for " operational " service
- Sg will be phrasing into service its new submarines.
Execuse me, where did you get this information???? If this is
real, this is the first time this has been made public domain, and
over a chat forum.... 
RSN is looking for a new sub - yes, this we know, but
the time frame is definitely uncertain. RSN haven't even decided
which sub design to go for, what kind of combat capabilities the
new subs are going to have. They (RSN) are still learning the art
of underwater warefare to determine what kind of sub suites the
South China Sea, Singapore and Malacca Straits environment. I don't
think we are anywhere near to determine the spec yet, not to
mention start building one soon to be ready by 2010. Look how long
it took the MCVs to be fully operational.
Joe
