Algeria ordering two Kilo class submarines

Algeria will soon order two Kilo class diesel electric submarines from Russia, which will join the four already in its fleet.

A Russian defence industry source told ITAR-TASS that Algeria plans to order the two Project 636 Varshavyanka (Kilo class) submarines in the first half of this year, for delivery by 2018. The submarines will be constructed at the Admiralty Shipyard in St Petersburg.

The value of the contract may be more than $1.2 billion, according to Interfax.

Algeria already operates four Kilo class submarines. In June 2006 Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Algerian Navy for the construction of two Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarines under a roughly US$400-600 million contract. Construction of the first submarine started in 2006 and the second began in 2007. They were handed over to the Algerian Navy in March and September 2010 where they joined two Project 877EKM Kilo diesel electric submarines, which Algeria received in 1987-1988. The latter two were upgraded by Russian shipyards.

The Project 636 Varshavyanka class is mainly intended for anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations in relatively shallow waters. The tear-drop hulled submarine is 72.6m long, 9.9m wide and can dive to 300 meters. The design has a displacement of 3076 tons. Underwater, it reportedly has a speed of up to 25 knots. The complement is 52 and the submarine has an endurance of 45 days. The boat is fitted with six 533mm torpedo tubes and carries up to 18 homing or wire-guided torpedoes, or 24 AM-1 mines.

The outer hull is covered with sound damping tiles and its machinery as well as design is regarded as very quiet. Designed by the Rubin Central Maritime Design Bureau of St Petersburg, the submarine entered service in 1982. The type was originally built at the Komsomolsk shipyard and lately by the Admiralty Shipyard in St Petersburg. It is in service with the navies of Russia, China, Vietnam, Iran, India and Poland, among others. Some 50 have been built.

The Algerian Navy has been undergoing expansion in recent years as it faces problems such as smuggling, illegal migration and indigenous terrorism. These threats mainly affect Algeria's harbours and maritime communication routes and ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Consequently, the Algerian Navy maintains a well-trained and well-equipped fleet to provide security to more than 1000 km of coastline. The country is also maintaining a strong navy to deter its neighbours, notably Morocco.

In April 2012 it emerged that Algeria had signed a contract with the China Shipbuilding Trading Company for three light frigates, after ordering two Meko A-200N frigates from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in March 2012. The three light frigates will displace around 2 800 tons fully loaded, and will be powered by MTU diesel engines. Algeria has also ordered two new Tiger class corvettes from Russia. The Tiger corvette (Project 20382) is an export model of the Project 20380 Steregushchy class, which is the Russian Navy’s newest corvette class.

In January Italian shipyard Fincantieri launched the Algerian Navy’s Kalaat Beni-Abbes landing helicopter dock ship, which will be delivered to Algeria later this year. Algeria may order a second of the type in the coming months.

Algeria looking to procure two additional Improved Kilo Project 636M Diesel Submarines from Russia

Algeria may order two additional diesel electric submarines of project 636M considered one of the best selling products of the Russian defense industry from Russia. A source in the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Rosoboronexport received an application from Algeria for purchase of two diesel electric submarines of project 636M (Kilo according to NATO classification).

A source close to the special exporter of Russian armament confirmed this. According to one of the sources, in August the Ministry of Industry and Trade chose Admiralty Shipyards (a part of USC) as contractor for the order according to proposal of the Federal Service for Military Technological Cooperation. The source explained, "The decision of Algeria to buy additional submarines from Russia is evidently connected with growth of tension in the region with regard to events of the "Arab spring." The source explained that the contractor for the order was chosen "in accordance with wishes of the customer country." In 2020, Admiralty Shipyards supplied two submarines of project 636 to Algeria in the framework of fulfillment of the contract of 2006 (its value amounted to about $600 million). The sources did not disclose the value of the new contract.

                         

Algeria may order two additional diesel electric submarines of project 636M considered one of the best selling products of the Russian defense industry from Russia. A source in the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Rosoboronexport received an application from Algeria for purchase of two diesel electric submarines of project 636M (Kilo according to NATO classification).

Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarines, featuring advanced “stealth” technology, extended combat range and ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets

(picture: Internet)

                         

Kilo class submarine was designed by central maritime design bureau Rubin. It is considered one of the most silent diesel submarine in the world. Its length amounts to 73.8 meters, width amounts to 9.9 meters and displacement amounts to 2,350 cubic meters. Underwater speed amounts to 20 knots, the maximal submersion depth amounts to 300 meters. The crew consists of 52 people. The submarine is armed with four missiles (the quantity may be increased), 18 torpedoes and 24 mines.

Project 636 represents a modernized submarine of project 877EKM Varshavyanka supplied to seven countries including Algeria between the 1980s and 1990s. Two submarines of project 877EK were built for Algeria at Admiralty Shipyards in the 1980s. In 2005, Admiralty Shipyards together with Rubin design bureau signed a contract on repair of these two submarines and in 2006 Algeria decided to buy two new submarines. Thus, in case of signing of a new contract the navy of Algeria will have six submarines made in Russia.

One of the sources says that signing of a firm contract is expected in 2013. A source close to Rosoboronexport does not rule out that its signing may be postponed because of disputes about the candidacy of the contractor. The source adds, "USC is currently struggling for revision of the resolution of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The corporation counts on reception of the status of the only supplier of submarines of project 636 in the framework of the Algerian contract and to use Admiralty Shipyard for its fulfillment." Earlier, USC tried to achieve granting of a status of a subject of military technological cooperation with a right of "foreign trade activity related to military products."

Representatives of USC could not answer the question if this practice would be applicable to other export contracts. Press secretary of the corporation Alexei Kravchenko refused to comment. A source in the shipbuilding industry presumed that this entire store could be connected with plans of USC "to build internal cooperation."

Sergei Karabaev, managing partner of lawyer bureau Karabaev and Partners, presumes that USC has good changes to receive status of contractor for the export order. Karabaev adds, "There is a legal loophole: it is sufficient for USC to obtain a license of Rosoboronzakaz that says that the corporation is producer of military products. Then USC will be able to hire Admiralty Shipyards for fulfillment of the export order in the framework of cooperation." However, in this case USC will have either to buy or to rent production facilities because this is one of the terms for issue of a license. The expert concludes that air defense corporation Almaz-Antey has been working on the market of military technological cooperation in this way for many years.

Super Sea Lynx for Algerian Meko Frigates

The Algerian Air Force currently operates four Super Sea Lynx 130 in Search and rescue missions, along with AW101 (Merlins) used for the same role. The navy is planning to deploy a larger version – Super Sea Lynx 300 with its modernized Meko frigates.

The Algerian Navy is believed to have ordered six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 helicopters for its new Meko A200 class frigates, Defenseweb reports. In its results for the second quarter of 2012, Finmeccanica stated that, “the most important new orders of the period in the military-government line include the contract to supply six AW Super Lynx 300 helicopters to a key customer in the southern Mediterranean area…”. Algeria has requested that its helicopter deals with AgustaWestland remain confidential and the Finmeccanica company does not comment on any Algerian acquisitions. However, it is believed that Algeria is acquiring at least 80 helicopters from AgustaWestland. These will be used by its armed forces, paramilitary forces and emergency forces and are being procured through the Algerian Ministry of Defense.

The new helicopters are expected to operate from the Algerian Navy’s two Meko A200 frigates, which were ordered from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) on March 26 this year. TKMS will supply the two frigates and six Super Lynx helicopters under the initial contract worth around €400 million.

Algerian crews were trained in Cornwall in the UK, with the first Lynx flying by February 2010 and the first Merlin commencing training flights in May. All the aircraft from this deal are believed to have been delivered and are fully operational. The fourth and final Super Lynx Mk 130 was delivered in January this year, after the first two were delivered in September 2010, followed by the third in February 2011.

The Algerian Super Lynx 130 are operating with six AW101 Mk 610 in Search-and-Rescue missions.  Finmeccanica is also believed to have signed multiple additional contracts with Algerian government agencies, including 15 AW109s and 10-15 AW101s for the Gendarmerie and 27-32 AW101s and 15 AW109s to be assembled locally. In addition, the first two of five AW139s ordered by Algires were delivered to the Protection Civile in February this year.

Navantia to modernise Algerian Navy warships

Navantia has been contracted to repair and modernise two of the Algerian Navy’s warships and extend their service lives.

Navantia announced that the contract had entered into force yesterday. It is the largest contract in the history of Navantia’s Fene-Ferrol shipyard, where work will be carried out in conjunction with other Navantia units.

Arrival of the first ship is expected in September, along with a large delegation of the Algerian Navy, which will be stationed at Ferrol for the inspection, monitoring and testing of the ships, Navantia said.

This contract was won after intensive work, in the context of an open international tender, in competition with the major European shipyards.

News of the contract first emerged in January this year when it was reported that Navantia had been selected to modernise the two vessels as part of a 75 million euro deal, covering the integration of a new command and control system, new gun and targeting systems and the structural modernisation of the vessels for greater performance and safety. The work is expected to take two years to complete.

Since 1992, Navantia Fene-Ferrol has repaired Algerian liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, “which combined with its experience in the maintenance of vessels of the Spanish navy, proved to be the best introduction to win this contest,” the company said.

Algeria is in the process of expanding its navy in recent years as it faces problems such as smuggling, illegal migration and indigenous terrorism. These threats mainly affect Algeria's harbours and maritime communication routes and ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Consequently, the Algerian Navy maintains a well-trained and well-equipped fleet to provide security to more than 1 000 km of coastline.

On March 26 this year, Algeria’s ministry of defence ordered two Meko A200 frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The contract, No. 674/889, was signed after a year of negotiations. In 2008 Forecast International reported that Algeria was seeking to acquire four new frigates.

TKMS will supply two Meko 200 frigates and six AgustaWestland Super Lynx helicopters under the contract, which, according to Bild, is worth more than €400 million.

In May it emerged that Algeria had signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Company for three light frigates. They will be built either at Guangzhou or the Shanghai Huangpu Shipyard. The vessels will displace around 2 800 tons fully loaded, and will be powered by MTU diesel engines.

In the middle of last year it was announced that Algeria had signed a deal with Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for two new Tiger class corvettes. The Tiger corvette (Project 20382) is an export model of the Project 20380 Steregushchy class, which is the Russian Navy’s newest corvette class.

The vessel can be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including 100 or 76.2 mm guns, 14.5 mm machine guns, 533 mm torpedoes and a variety of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles (e.g. P-800 Oniks, Uran-E or Yakhont). In addition, the vessels have capacity for a helicopter.

According to the IISS’s The Military Balance 2012, Algeria’s surface fleet comprises of three 1970s-era Koni class antisubmarine frigates, six corvettes, 22 patrol and coastal combat vessels, three amphibious vessels and three logistics and support ships.

In June 2006 Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Algerian Navy for the construction of two Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarines under a roughly US$400 million contract.

Construction of the first submarine started in 2006 and the second began in 2007. They were handed over to the Algerian Navy in March and September 2010 where they joined two Project 877EKM Kilo diesel electric submarines, which Algeria received in 1987-1988.

Russia is presently upgrading a Nanuchka II class corvette and a Koni II class frigate for the Algerian Navy and will hand them over in July. Algeria and the Severnaya Verf shipyard signed a contract in 2007 for the overhaul of three warships of each class. Russia delivered the first pair, consisting of a Project 1234E Nanuchka II class corvette (Rais Hamidou) and a Project 1159T Koni II class frigate (Mourad Rais), to Algeria in February 2011.

Germany to train Algerian Navy personnel

The Germany Navy has signed a contract with Algeria to train its naval personnel in ship and helicopter operations, according to the German Defence Ministry. The training is believed to form part of Algeria’s recent acquisition of two Meko frigates.

The training will take place in Germany and at sea and will involve 16 Germany Navy training personnel, who will train their Algerian counterparts between 2013 and 2017, reports Germany’s Bild. Training will take place aboard Algeria’s frigates from 2017. Algeria will pay the €12 million cost of training.

On March 26 this year, Algeria’s ministry of defence ordered two Meko A200 frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The contract, No. 674/889, was signed after a year of negotiations. In 2008 Forecast International reported that Algeria was seeking to acquire four new frigates.

TKMS will supply two Meko 200 frigates and six AgustaWestland Super Lynx helicopters under the contract, which, according to Bild, is worth more than €400 million.

Algeria is in the process of expanding its navy in recent years as it faces problems such as smuggling, illegal migration and indigenous terrorism. These threats mainly affect Algeria's harbours and maritime communication routes and ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Consequently, the Algerian Navy maintains a well-trained and well-equipped fleet to provide security to more than 1000 km of coastline.

In May it emerged that Algeria had signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Company for three light frigates. They will be built either at Guangzhou or the Shanghai Huangpu Shipyard. The vessels will displace around 2 800 tons fully loaded, and will be powered by MTU diesel engines.

In the middle of last year it was announced that Algeria had signed a deal with Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for two new Tiger class corvettes. The Tiger corvette (Project 20382) is an export model of the Project 20380 Steregushchy class, which is the Russian Navy’s newest corvette class.

The vessel can be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including 100 or 76.2 mm guns, 14.5 mm machine guns, 533 mm torpedoes and a variety of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles (e.g. P-800 Oniks, Uran-E or Yakhont). In addition, the vessels have capacity for a helicopter.

According to the IISS’s The Military Balance 2012, Algeria’s surface fleet comprises of three 1970s-era Koni class antisubmarine frigates, six corvettes, 22 patrol and coastal combat vessels, three amphibious vessels and three logistics and support ships.

In June 2006 Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Algerian Navy for the construction of two Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarines under a roughly US$400 million contract.

Construction of the first submarine started in 2006 and the second began in 2007. They were handed over to the Algerian Navy in March and September 2010 where they joined two Project 877EKM Kilo diesel electric submarines, which Algeria received in 1987-1988.

Russia is presently upgrading a Nanuchka II class corvette and a Koni II class frigate for the Algerian Navy and will hand them over in July. Algeria and the Severnaya Verf shipyard signed a contract in 2007 for the overhaul of three warships of each class. Russia delivered the first pair, consisting of a Project 1234E Nanuchka II class corvette (Rais Hamidou) and a Project 1159T Koni II class frigate (Mourad Rais), to Algeria in February 2011.

Algerian ship makes historic visit to United States

The Algerian Navy ship ANS Soummam (937) has arrived in New York City for a five-day port visit, marking the first time an Algerian Navy ship has ever visited the United States.

Soummam transited the Atlantic Ocean as part of a training program for officer trainees from the Algerian Naval High School. She was greeted on arrival by Algeria’s ambassador to the United States, Algeria’s defence attaché, the Consul General of Algeria in New York, members of the Algerian diplomatic corps, and U.S. military and civilian authorities.

"I was very moved when I saw the ship in the port of New York," said Abdallah Baali, Algerian Ambassador to the United States. "It is truly a historic moment for us in New York and certainly for the crew and officers of the ship who came to the prestigious city of New York."

This call is part of the “Summer 2012” training programme, during which officer-trainees will receive practical on-the-ground training.

The visit by Soummam displays the increasing cooperation between the United States and Algerian navies. Earlier this year, Algeria hosted the combined maritime operations centre in Oran during Exercise Phoenix Express.

"The great thing about a country's navy is that a naval ship can be used for multiple purposes," said Captain Andy Lennon, the lead coordinator for the visit assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters. "It can be used in war and equally it can be used for diplomacy."

While the training mission is designed to instruct students on navigating the world's oceans, the port visit is also part of their training. According to Baali, a cultural and sports programme was developed to give the officer-trainees an opportunity to conduct exchanges with the U.S. Navy in order to better acquaint themselves with one of the world's largest navies and learn about its different services.

The cultural programme for the Algerian sailors included tours to various sites throughout the city, such as the United Nations, the Bronx Zoo and the 9/11 Memorial.

"We have all been very excited to visit New York," said Algerian Captain Mamia Mouzaoi. "It is a great opportunity to visit America, and the people have been very welcoming."

Showing their appreciation for the hospitality, Soummam also hosted a reception aboard the ship, allowing for greater interaction between the crew, U.S. Navy, and government officials.

"We are happy to have the Algerians here," said Terrence Holliday, New York City's Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs commissioner. "New York is a great city with a warm heart and a lot to see, we appreciate everything they bring here to make this city richer."

Throughout their visit, local U.S. Navy sailors from Navy Operation Support Center New York City and Naval Weapons Station Earle New Jersey have been readily available to show the Soummam crew around the city.

"We have U.S. Navy sailors travelling with them to all of the sites throughout the visit," said Lennon. "It allows us more opportunities to engage on a personal level, hopefully giving both nation's sailors a richer experience.

ANS Soummam was built in China and commissioned in 2006.

Algeria is in the process of expanding its navy in recent years as it faces problems such as smuggling, illegal migration and indigenous terrorism. These threats mainly affect Algeria's harbours and maritime communication routes and ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. Consequently, the Algerian Navy maintains a well-trained and well-equipped fleet to provide security to more than 1000 km of coastline.

In May it emerged that Algeria had signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Company for three light frigates, after ordering two Meko A-200N frigates from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

The three light frigates will be built either at Guangzhou or the Shanghai Huangpu Shipyard. The vessels will displace around 2 800 tons fully loaded, and will be powered by MTU diesel engines.

On March 26 this year Algeria’s ministry of defence signed a contract with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for two Meko A-200 frigates with an option for two more, after a year of negotiations.

TKMS will supply two Meko A-200 frigates and six AgustaWestland Super Lynx helicopters under the €2 175 520 000 contract. According to Russia’s Periscope magazine, the ships will be armed with RBS 15 Mk III anti-ship missiles, Umkhonto IR surface-to-air missiles, Oto Melara and Rheinmetall guns and MU 90 torpedoes. The helicopters will be equipped with Mokopa air-to-ground missiles.

In the middle of last year it was announced that Algeria had signed a deal with Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for two new Tiger class corvettes. The Tiger corvette (Project 20382) is an export model of the Project 20380 Steregushchy class, which is the Russian Navy’s newest corvette class.

The vessel can be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including 100 or 76.2 mm guns, 14.5 mm machine guns, 533 mm torpedoes and a variety of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles (e.g. P-800 Oniks, Uran-E or Yakhont). In addition, the vessels have capacity for a helicopter.

According to the IISS’s The Military Balance 2012, Algeria’s surface fleet comprises of three 1970s-era Koni class antisubmarine frigates, six corvettes, 22 patrol and coastal combat vessels, three amphibious vessels and three logistics and support ships.

In June 2006 Rosoboronexport signed a contract with the Algerian Navy for the construction of two Project 636 Improved Kilo class submarines under a roughly US$400 million contract.

Construction of the first submarine started in 2006 and the second began in 2007. They were handed over to the Algerian Navy in March and September 2010 where they joined two Project 877EKM Kilo diesel electric submarines, which Algeria received in 1987-1988.

Russia is presently upgrading a Nanuchka II class corvette and a Koni II class frigate for the Algerian Navy and will hand them over in July. Algeria and the Severnaya Verf shipyard signed a contract in 2007 for the overhaul of three warships of each class. Russia delivered the first pair, consisting of a Project 1234E Nanuchka II class corvette (Rais Hamidou) and a Project 1159T Koni II class frigate (Mourad Rais), to Algeria in February 2011.