Smallest conventional subs are Type 206A and Type 207 (around 500t). Followed by early 209s and Ula (around 1,000t+). Most 209s as well as 212A/214/Dolphin/Scorpene etc all weigh in at 1,500t+ and closer to 2,000t and thus not exactly small unless compared to SSNs.

Swedish doctrine (mid-90s and earlier) would be best if you want to look at operation of small conventional submarines in shallow and murky waters.

Germany is getting 5 MEKO derived K130 corvettes (Braunschweig class) in 2007 and 2008. 4 of the 5 are under construction and most pictures are of front sections being floated/towed from one shipyard to the other, seeing as they are again employing a consortia of shipyards (ARGE K130). Braunschweig sections were united in Autumn 2005 and ship is in the water now, reportedly undergoing outfitting (Blohm+Voss?). May also be at the Kieler Woche festival in the summer.

Yes, Aradu did run aground (more than once…) in 1987 after around 5 years in service, and was also involved in several collisions in the same year, one of them with a harbour wall in Lagos. Spent 1990 – 1994 in harbour in sorry condition. That may be what I am thinking about but thought I recalled there being an extended stay in a foreign port and no money for repairs.

The Malaysian deal may be of interest also. Six MEKO 100RMN (Kedah class) ordered firm, initially as Offshore Patrol Vessels. First two built by Blohm+Voss, which are nearing commissioning after prolonged outfitting and problems. Local builder Penang is in some degree of trouble over it and plans for another 21 of the class becoming unlikely.

There was some indication that Type 23 deal includes some equipment and a spare gun to be used on the sole Type 22. Alternative was getting a Vickers (now done by BAE and others) Mk 8 from Brazil. Whole fleet outfit would be 4 vessels with Oto Melara and 4 with Mk 8.

Forrestin: In 2004 there was a decision to keep Exocet MM40 and maybe go for for Block III upgrades. Has this now been dropped? Makes sense with Harpoon Block coming online really. Also, air defence missile situation getting a bit complicated, Barak in inventory, VL Mica, ESSM and Seawolf Block II were competing for refit on Type 22 and now RAM?

If somebody is after other big amphibious units: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) decommissioned last October after 27 years service, and LHA 2 (Saipan) probably next.

USS Long Beach (CGN 9) did cross my mind… with a few changes:
Seeing as currently only the hull remains a new superstructure with low RCS and two-island concept is in order. This might just as well incorporate space aft for double hangar and possibly interchangeable modules for ASW and MCM destined for the LCS to give some capability in these areas on top of several Mk 41s and a Mk 45 gun foreward for AAW and ASUW roles.

Propulsion would be taken care of by modified variants of S9G reactor from SSN 774. Not sufficiently familiar with the hull to know whether this would be entirely feasible, but ideal case would be the addition of a bulbous bow, two (electric) pod drives and two boost waterjets, call it COGLAG WARP(od).

Now that imagination is truly in full flow it is time to bring out the big guns… to support ESGs and the MPF(F) resurrect USS Wisconsin [U](or Iowa, both held in reserve still).

Replace steam propulsion system with array of MT30 (6+) or WR-21 (8+) gas turbines for all-electric propulsion and ship systems featuring four pod drives and a retractable azimuth thruster forward.

Armament:
Replace forward guns with 3-4 Advanced Gun System turrets and magazine of 2000+ rounds, add Mk 41 launchers for Tomahawk, Harpoon, SM-2 and ESSM

Install multiple CIWS/RAM, torpedo defence, soft kill decoys, IROS etc. on a remodelled superstructure. Any effort for reduced RCS may well be futile…

Put a hangar and flight deck aft for operation of aircraft up to MV-22 size.

With high level of automation reduced manning should be achievable and leave space for a sizeable joint force command and control department.