Spanish media reports possible imobilization/retirement of the carrier Principe de Astúrias, plus 2 F-80 Frigates (OHP type) and 1 submarine

original link in spanish
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2012/05/08/espana/1336468946.html

PdA FOR SALE?!? Wonder who’ld be interested….?
There should be takers for OHP e.g. Taiwan, or e.g. Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan.

Shinmayawa SS3

A new entry from Japan for Indian navy.
Amphibian STOL aircraft currently pitched by Japan, look very promising and useful.

Hilarious. Wonder when we’ll see Beriev B-200 entered…

Compare! http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/guide/us2_world.htm#list4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Meiwa_US-1A
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShinMaywa_US-2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriev_Be-200

More likely that they took Mig21 as starting point and beefed it up to a 2 engine version

well, since we’re at it:

– navalizing the AMX would cost a lot… if you can put the EJ200 in it,k you can in the A-4 as well… just bring some modifications like the radar used in brasilian F-5s, some more avionics and you can get a quite decent light naval fighter (modernised A-4)…

that would be the cheapest option

other naval options are:

– Rafale, needing a small extension at the end of the catapult (was done and wouldn’t cost much) but the catapults may be somewhat “light” to launch it at full load

– Hornet, but there aren’t many available around as it’s not in production anymore, and buying used ones they’d start whezre they are today with the A-4, albeit with a more modern platform, but still… it would require upgrades right now….

– SH – no; it’s too big, and modifying the carrier would cost really too much (lifts, catapults, etc… )

– navalised gripen – probably too costly as it would need to be developed for a very small production run – not worth it

– navalised AMX – same as the gripen, with the fact that it’s definitely not an air superiority fighter in any case

– harrier (any sort) – forget it. it’s not in production and would need heavy modifications on the carrier to be able to operate from there, with more restrictions than the current A-4 has

– Su-33 – same thing, it has nothing to do on such a small carrier, what’s more a CATOBAR one

– Mig-29K – the size is closer to a usable one, but would need modifications for catapult use, increasing its price… how interesting for the brasilians can be to buy it, considering the serviceability they can expect, as well as the weapons that are absolutely not common with what they use today, remains to be seen

basically, they either stay with old aircraft – modernise the Skyhawks, or buy used aircraft…. the only option for new aircraft would be Rafales which, in fact, could be interesting from another PoV: if they buy Rafales for their Air Force with the ToT coming with it, they’ be easily capable to maintain and modernize their navy aircraft since, with the exception of some structural parts, it is exactly the same aircraft

Naval LCA / Tejas? Reputedly “the smallest lightweight, multirole, single-engined tactical fighter aircraft in the world” ( http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tejas/ )

Patrolling and defending/blocking of the EEZ from enemies surface combatant ships and vessels. Is what I meant. “SSK are basically ideal for the defence of the EEZ”

Within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the coastal state has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources, both living and nonliving, of the seabed, subsoil, and the subjacent waters and, with regard to other activities, for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone (e.g., the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds).

Within the EEZ, the coastal state has jurisdiction with regard to establishing and using artificial islands, installations, and structures having economic purposes as well as for marine scientific research and the protection and preservation of the marine environment.

Other states may, however, exercise traditional high seas freedoms of navigation, overflight, and related freedoms, such as conducting military exercises in the EEZ.

Article73

Enforcement of laws and regulations of the coastal State

1. The coastal State may, in the exercise of its sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage the living resources in the exclusive economic zone, take such measures, including boarding, inspection, arrest and judicial proceedings, as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations adopted by it in conformity with this Convention.

2. Arrested vessels and their crews shall be promptly released upon the posting of reasonable bond or other security.

3. Coastal State penalties for violations of fisheries laws and regulations in the exclusive economic zone may not include imprisonment, in the absence of agreements to the contrary by the States concerned, or any other form of corporal punishment.

4. In cases of arrest or detention of foreign vessels the coastal State shall promptly notify the flag State, through appropriate channels, of the action taken and of any penalties subsequently imposed.

http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part5.htm

see also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exclusive_economic_zone
http://www.fao.org/docrep/s5280T/s5280t0p.htm

Why the need for 76mm guns anyway? The Vikramaditya isn’t an LHD; for personal defense against missiles a good CIWS would suit it best. If not Kashtan I’d strongly recommend the Pantsir-ME when it gets cleared for export.

Well, who said NEED. The only NEED is defensive armament. THen looking at what’s available. The 76 Oto is usefull as longer range AAA and on the plus side, it can be and is made in India. AK630s by contrast would be imports. And by themselves not a CIWS. ‘A good CIWS’ in the IN means at least a pair of VLUs for Barak missiles plus a pair of AK230 or AK630s and a pair of Elta radar fire directors….

I think Kashtan (and like) was ruled out for this ship quite some time ago already…. it certainly isn’t installed on any of the above pics, while the remainder of equipment does seem to be installed. Hence the armament speculation in the first place..

ps: USN LHA/Ds are intented for use as sea control ships as well, embarking some 20 Harrier 2 and not much else in that role.

I think that Brazil is more likely to build (with foreign assistance) a CATOBAR carrier or two than buy a third hand STOBAR ship.

Depends on the money situation, I would think. But those ‘third hand’ ships today are pretty much restored to new condition so third hand is actually second hand (although third owner)