Todjaeger
Potstirrer
Sorry @Redlands18 it is not dead, yet...
One needs to ask, "What could an Arafura-class OPV armed with AShM add to a fight, and what else would it require to do so?"
Based off the armament and placement aboard the similar Darussalam-class OPV in service with the Royal Brunei Navy, it might be possible to fit two pairs or perhaps two quad AShM launchers between the funnel and the bridge. Here is a reality check though. If an Arafura-class OPV is close enough to fire upon another vessel with AShM (even if the targeting data is sourced from an offboard sensor or platform), then the targeted vessel could very well be close enough to also fire AShM at the Arafura-class OPV. Given the rest of the current weapons package intended for the OPV's, they would have no defences should hostile platforms opt to engage one of the OPV's. Essentially, the RAN could get up to eight additional AShM to launch at hostile forces, but would have to put at risk a 1,640 tonne vessel and her 40+ crew, who would be dependent on other RAN vessels for protection due to a complete lack of self-defence systems. Now imagine if the threat forces were instead aerial threats armed with AShM, in such a circumstance all one of the OPV's would be, is just another target for them to engage and for RAN escorts to have to defend.
If the RAN were to start upgrading the armaments aboard vessels, I personally would rather they start by adding or increasing the self-defence capabilities or RAN vessels (not including subs) before trying to add in some sort of strike capability.
Also, given how often lately it has been mentioned, yes, there are quite a range of possible things which could be installed/upgraded aboard the Arafura-class OPV's, and I would imagine that if the RAN really, really, really wanted to, a 127 mm gun could be installed. What people need to remember and keep in mind, which is something that many keep seeming to forget, is just what would be required to make the needed or desired changes and upgrades. Once that is known, then the question of whether it would be worthwhile has a better chance of getting answered. Given that the design of the class was and is intended for service as an OPV, as opposed to being designed as a warship intended for frontline combat like a corvette, frigate or destroyer would be, even if missiles and more guns were installed, the resulting vessel is not going to be quite as effective as a purpose designed and built combatant.
I honestly would disagree that adding containerized AShM makes any real sense, even if is or would be possible.
One needs to ask, "What could an Arafura-class OPV armed with AShM add to a fight, and what else would it require to do so?"
Based off the armament and placement aboard the similar Darussalam-class OPV in service with the Royal Brunei Navy, it might be possible to fit two pairs or perhaps two quad AShM launchers between the funnel and the bridge. Here is a reality check though. If an Arafura-class OPV is close enough to fire upon another vessel with AShM (even if the targeting data is sourced from an offboard sensor or platform), then the targeted vessel could very well be close enough to also fire AShM at the Arafura-class OPV. Given the rest of the current weapons package intended for the OPV's, they would have no defences should hostile platforms opt to engage one of the OPV's. Essentially, the RAN could get up to eight additional AShM to launch at hostile forces, but would have to put at risk a 1,640 tonne vessel and her 40+ crew, who would be dependent on other RAN vessels for protection due to a complete lack of self-defence systems. Now imagine if the threat forces were instead aerial threats armed with AShM, in such a circumstance all one of the OPV's would be, is just another target for them to engage and for RAN escorts to have to defend.
If the RAN were to start upgrading the armaments aboard vessels, I personally would rather they start by adding or increasing the self-defence capabilities or RAN vessels (not including subs) before trying to add in some sort of strike capability.
Also, given how often lately it has been mentioned, yes, there are quite a range of possible things which could be installed/upgraded aboard the Arafura-class OPV's, and I would imagine that if the RAN really, really, really wanted to, a 127 mm gun could be installed. What people need to remember and keep in mind, which is something that many keep seeming to forget, is just what would be required to make the needed or desired changes and upgrades. Once that is known, then the question of whether it would be worthwhile has a better chance of getting answered. Given that the design of the class was and is intended for service as an OPV, as opposed to being designed as a warship intended for frontline combat like a corvette, frigate or destroyer would be, even if missiles and more guns were installed, the resulting vessel is not going to be quite as effective as a purpose designed and built combatant.
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