PN MILGEM Corvettes to Get Albatros NG Air Defense System

Pakistan Navy has chosen MBDA’s cutting-edge Albatros NG (New Generation) air defense system for its MILGEM corvettes. This decision marks a departure from the previously planned Chinese HHQ-16 system, positioning Pakistan as the first export customer for the Albatros NG.

A Game-Changer in Maritime Security The Albatros NG, developed by European missile manufacturer MBDA, represents the latest in naval air defense technology. Utilizing the CAMM-ER (Extended Range) missile, this system boasts an impressive range of over 40 km. Its versatility allows it to engage a wide array of threats, from anti-ship missiles to aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Modular Design for Modern Warships One of the Albatros NG’s key advantages is its modular design with a reduced footprint. This feature makes it ideal for integration on smaller vessels like corvettes and patrol ships, aligning perfectly with the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM project requirements.

Project Background: PN MİLGEM Corvettes

The PN MİLGEM Project, initiated with a contract signed between ASFAT (Military Factory and Shipyard Management Inc.) and the Pakistan Ministry of Defense Production on July 5, 2018, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s naval capabilities. Construction activities for this project commenced on March 11, 2019, ushering in a new era of naval technology for Pakistan.

PNS HUNAIN was delivered to the Pakistan Navy

The project encompasses the construction of four corvettes based on the design of ADA Class Corvette. Two of these ships will be built at the İstanbul Shipyard Command, while the other two will be constructed at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) in Pakistan.

The fourth ship of the project, expected to be delivered in Karachi in February 2025, is planned to commence construction in June 2021 at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. Notably, there will be some differences in the design of the fourth PN-MİLGEM Corvette. Pakistani engineers and technicians, who received on-the-job training during the construction of the first ship, will have the opportunity to make changes to the ADA Class Corvette design up to the fourth ship. This transfer of knowledge and skills is a crucial aspect of the project, enabling Pakistan to gain the ability to design and build its indigenous warship with the support of Turkish engineers.

Albatros NG: A Game-Changer in Naval Air Defense

The selection of the Albatros NG system represents a strategic upgrade in Pakistan Navy’s air defense capabilities. On March 3, 2021, MBDA announced the signing of the first export contract for the Albatros NG NBAD System with an undisclosed international customer. It has now been revealed that Pakistan Navy is this first customer, making the PN MİLGEM Corvettes the first surface warships to utilize this new generation medium-range active guided air defense system.

The Albatros NG System is scheduled to become operational in 2024, aligning perfectly with the delivery timeline of the PN MİLGEM Corvettes. This system will be integrated into the GENESIS ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS) used on the ships, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced combat effectiveness.

Technical Specifications: PN MİLGEM Corvettes

The PN MİLGEM Corvettes, with a displacement of 2,926 tons, occupy a strategic position between the 2,400-ton ADA Class Corvettes and the 3,000-ton İSTİF Class Frigates. These vessels measure 108.2 m in length, 14.8 m in width, and have a draft of 4.05 m.

The main armament of these corvettes will now include a 16-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS) for the Albatros NG missiles, positioned just behind the Leonardo (Oto Melara) 76 mm Super Rapid main gun. This replaces the previously planned HHQ-16 Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System.

In addition to the Albatros NG system, the corvettes will be equipped with six Harbah Anti-Ship & Land Attack Cruise Missiles (ASCM/LACM) with an estimated range of 450 km to 750 km. These missiles will be positioned at 90 degrees to each other, hidden behind covers on the port and starboard sides behind the mainmast to reduce the ship’s radar cross-section (RCS).

For close-range defense, the ships will feature two ASELSAN product 25 mm STOP Remote Controlled Stabilized Naval Guns, located at the port and starboard deckhouses, and an ASELSAN GÖKDENİZ Close-in Weapon System (CIWS).

The Main Propulsion System of the PN MİLGEM Corvettes will consist of an LM2500 gas turbine and two 4000 Series MTU 20V4000M93L diesel engines, each capable of generating 4,300kW/5,766hp. This combination will provide the ships with the necessary power and speed for various naval operations.

CAMM-ER Missiles: The Heart of Albatros NG

The Albatros NG system utilizes the CAMM-ER (Extended Range) missiles, which offer significant advantages over the previously considered HHQ-16 system. The CAMM-ER missile weighs 160 kg, measures 4.2 m in length, and has a diameter of 190 mm. It boasts an impressive range of over 45 km, a substantial improvement over its predecessor.

One of the key features of the CAMM-ER missile is its active RF seeker and two-way data link. This eliminates the need for a target illumination radar, as the SMART-S Mk 2 3BAR data will suffice for targeting purposes. The missile can receive engagement information about the target, including position, altitude, and speed, via its data link.

The adoption of the CAMM-ER/Albatros NG NBAD System means that the previously planned Type 345 (NATO code MR-90 Front Dome) Illumination Radars will no longer be necessary. Instead, two data link antennas will be installed on the ships. This change not only simplifies the ship’s sensor suite but also enhances its ability to engage multiple air targets simultaneously, especially in electronic warfare threat environments.

Future Prospects: JINNAH Class Frigates

Looking ahead, the PN-MİLGEM Project is expected to pave the way for the development of JINNAH Class Frigates. These frigates, anticipated to be a joint design effort between Turkey and Pakistan, represent the next step in Pakistan’s naval modernization efforts. The JINNAH Class Frigate concept is expected to be unveiled with a scale model at the IDEF ’21 Fair, scheduled for August 2021.

This progression from the PN MİLGEM Corvettes to the JINNAH Class Frigates demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities and achieving greater self-reliance in defense technology. The knowledge and experience gained from the PN MİLGEM Project will be invaluable in the development of these future warships, further solidifying Pakistan’s position as a significant naval power in the region.

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