SA Navy Chief Vice Admiral Lobese wants 12 additional ships to strenghten South Africa's maritime security.

According to a video published by SA Defence News on November 3, 2023, during the recent naming and acceptance ceremony of the SAS King Shaka Zulu, the second new multi-purpose inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) at Naval Base Durban, SA Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese emphasized the need for expanding South Africa's naval fleet.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

SA Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese. (Picture source: SA Defence News)

Vice Admiral Lobese pointed out the necessity of acquiring at least 12 additional ships to reinforce the Navy's capabilities, underscoring that six of these should be larger offshore patrol vessels. This expansion, he suggested, is crucial for addressing the growing challenges and responsibilities in safeguarding South Africa's maritime interests.

South African Navy

Since 2006, the navy has incorporated four Meko A200SANs, known as the Valour class, at a cost of R9.65 billion. These ships are lauded as the most powerful surface combatants in sub-Saharan Africa and have significantly bolstered South African naval pre-eminence.

Designed with stealth principles, these frigates have reduced radar signatures, infrared emissions, life-cycle costs, and crew requirements. Equipped for various tasks including maritime law enforcement and military operations, they carry advanced weaponry and embarked SuperLynx helicopters, enhancing their surveillance and operational capabilities.

The navy's surface fleet also includes modernized Warrior-class strike craft, recommissioned as offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). These include the SAS Isaac Dyobha, SAS Galeshewe, and SAS Makhanda, with only the latter still in service as of February 2023.

The Patrol Flotilla, strengthened by the commissioning of SAS King Sekhukhune I and other Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels, is tasked with patrolling South Africa's exclusive economic zone and enforcing maritime law. These vessels are also equipped to handle anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique Channel.

For mine countermeasures, the South African Navy relies on two River-class coastal vessels, albeit with limited capabilities following the retirement of their antiquated autonomous underwater vehicles. These vessels now primarily serve in coastal defense roles.

The navy's submarine fleet comprises three German-built Type 209/1400 submarines, delivered between 2004 and 2008. Known as the Heroine class, these submarines represent a significant upgrade in underwater performance and endurance. However, as of 2021, there were concerns about the operational readiness of these submarines, with refits being necessary to maintain their capabilities.

The South African defence budget has seen a downward trajectory since 1994. For 2020/21, the Defence Budget was set at R52.4 billion, with the navy allocated about 9% of this total. Despite this allocation, the overall defence spending has not kept pace with inflation, leading to financial and operational challenges for the Department of Defence.