South African Navy

• The South African Navy's first Permanent Force Navy, the SA Naval Service, was established on April 1, 1922
• The United Kingdom terminated the agreement on 16 June 1975
• Project Hotel is the second future acquisition program

The South African Navy has a rich and storied history that is both fascinating and inspiring. It all began in the mid-1800s with the establishment of the Port Elizabeth Naval Volunteer Brigade, which marked the start of the country's naval journey. The Natal Naval Volunteers (NNV) was formed in Durban in 1885 as a part-time unit, with the specific mandate to man six-inch guns that would defend Durban from potential Russian expansionism. The NNV served ashore in the South African War (1899 – 1902) and the Zulu Rebellion of 1906. The unit eventually became the reserve unit SAS Inkonkoni, and the SA Navy has maintained an unbroken link with it ever since. 

The South African Navy's first Permanent Force Navy, the SA Naval Service, was established on April 1, 1922, with the purchase of three vessels to form the nucleus of the fledgling force. These vessels included a hydrographic survey vessel renamed HMSAS Protea and two minesweeping trawlers renamed HMSAS Sonneblom and HMSAS Immortelle. 

During World War II, South Africa's naval forces played a crucial role in the Mediterranean, patrolling the entrances to ports, escorting convoys, sweeping enemy mines, and rescuing survivors from torpedoed ships. The discipline, morale, and marksmanship of the 22nd Anti-Submarine guys were unparalleled in the inshore squadron. 

Twenty-six battle honours were confirmed on South African ships, three of which served in the Far East. A total of 329 members of the SANF were killed in action or died in service, and 225 awards for gallantry or distinguished service were bestowed on South African sailors. The SA Woman's Auxiliary Naval Service was established in October 1943, and about 280 "SWANS" served as harbour defence operators and in administrative posts.

After the war, South Africa received three Loch Class frigates: HMSAS Good Hope, HMSAS Natal, and HMSAS Transvaal. The country's naval forces continued to grow and evolve over the years, with the reconstitution of the SANF as part of the Union Defence Force in 1946. Its fleet consisted of frigates, boom defence vessels, a minelayer, and harbour defence motor launches. Two Algerine Class ocean minesweepers arrived in 1947, and the South African Navy continued to play a crucial role in the country's defence and security, ensuring the safety and protection of its people and interests.

In 1980, the South African Navy commissioned the Strike Craft Flotilla, which was based at SAS Scorpion in Durban. These missile-carrying fast attack craft were armed with surface-to-surface guided missiles, two 76 mm guns, and smaller close-range weapons, making them a formidable force and the backbone of the Navy's surface strike power. Three strike craft were purchased from Israel, with the remaining six built at the Sandock Austral shipyard in Durban. Sandock Austral was also responsible for building the largest and most sophisticated vessel ever designed and built in South Africa, the SAS Drakensberg, a replenishment vessel that was launched in August 1984 and arrived in Simon's Town in November 1987. 

The Ukraine-built Juvent renamed SAS Outeniqua on commissioning in the SA Navy in 1993, was another significant purchase. It replaced the by then decommissioned SAS Tafelberg but was itself decommissioned in 2004. On Freedom Day, 27 April 1994, the SA Navy and the rest of the South African Defence Force (SADF) became part of the new SA National Defence Force (SANDF), and its personnel assisted with South Africa's first democratic election. The need to reduce defence expenditure and improve the effectiveness of the SANDF resulted in the transformation of South Africa's armed forces. In 1999, the much smaller Navy Office of the Ministry of Defence replaced the Naval Headquarters, and the operational head, formerly Chief of Naval Operations, became Flag Officer Fleet and shifted his flag to Simon's Town. 

Surface Fleet

The Valour class consists of four Meko A200SANs and was commissioned in 2006 for R9.65 billion. These vessels are the most powerful surface combatants in sub-Saharan Africa and have restored South African naval pre-eminence. The SuperLynx helicopters embarked on the Valour class significantly enhance and extend surveillance capabilities, making them impressive and major regional anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine platforms.

The Valour class warships are general-purpose, multi-mission vessels with advanced capabilities. They are equipped with two four-cell launchers for eight Exocet surface-to-surface missiles, 16 to 32-cell domestically built Umkhonto VLS missiles for air defence, a single OTO Melara 76-millimetre (3.0 in) main gun, a twin Denel 35 mm (1.4 in) Dual Purpose Gun, two Oerlikon 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon, and two 12.7 mm (0.50 in) remotely operated guns. 

They can perform a wide range of missions and are hailed as major regional anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine platforms.

The Warrior-class inshore patrol vessel is a class of multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) built for the South African Navy.

Submarine fleet

The South African Navy's Heroine class submarines are a remarkable upgrade to their sub-surface force. These technologically advanced vessels were delivered between 2004 and 2008, replacing the ageing Daphné-class submarines. They feature superior underwater performance and endurance, making them a formidable asset to the Navy. 

It's worth noting that South Africa is one of only three countries on the African continent that operates submarines, alongside Algeria and Egypt. However, South Africa stands out as the only country in the sub-Saharan region with this capability. The Heroine class submarines are highly sophisticated vessels, capable of not only traditional anti-ship engagement and area denial but also intelligence collection via special forces deployment. 

The submarines have undergone several modifications to enable them to undertake clandestine operations. They are equipped with advanced technology and systems, making them an essential tool for the South African Navy. These vessels are highly versatile and can operate in various environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea conditions. 

Overall, the Heroine class submarines represent a significant upgrade to the South African Navy's sub-surface force, providing the country with a powerful and technologically advanced asset that can undertake a wide range of operations.

Operation Copper

Since 2011, the South African Navy has focused on Operation Copper, an anti-piracy initiative aimed at providing maritime security in the Mozambique Channel. All Valour-class frigates have been deployed to the region on rotation since the operation began. This asset deployment, along with the refurbished Warrior-class offshore patrol vessels, has significantly reduced piracy and other maritime crimes in the Mozambique Channel. Due to the operation's success, the expenditure for future deployments is estimated to be R38.9 million, down from the previous year. However, the mandate of Operation Copper could change due to increasing Islamist violence in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. 

As of August 9, 2021, the SADC has formally announced the deployment of troops into the troubled region. The South African government, alongside regional partners such as Botswana, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, has informed parliament of its intention to deploy 1,495 personnel to Mozambique. This deployment will support the Mozambican government's efforts to combat the insurgency and stabilize the region. Overall, South Africa's naval bases and stations are crucial for maintaining a strategic presence in the region and providing support to the country's allies and partners.

Naval bases

 South Africa has three naval bases and stations, each with its unique history and purpose. Naval Base Simon's Town is the largest and main naval base currently used by the South African Navy. This base has a rich history dating back to its construction by the Dutch East India Company in 1743. After the Royal Navy developed the base further, it was transferred to South Africa in 1957 as part of the Simon's Town Agreement. The base was expanded in 1975, and today it serves as the homeport of the frigate and submarine flotillas, as well as housing training facilities.

Naval Base Durban was constructed during the Second World War to better serve the deployment of naval vessels off the eastern coast of Africa. This was particularly necessary after the Japanese declaration of war in 1941. After the war, the base's infrastructure was taken over by the Army and later abandoned. However, in 2012, it was decided to renovate and expand the facilities. Unfortunately, budget constraints have delayed the reclassification of Durban as a fully operational Naval Base, but the station remains important as the home of the fleet's offshore patrol flotilla. It will continue to serve this purpose after the delivery of replacement offshore/inshore vessels.

Naval Station Port Elizabeth is the smallest of the three naval facilities and provides support to the fleet. While no major vessels are based there, the station is an important host to visiting ships. It serves as a welcoming port for South Africa's visiting naval partners and provides essential maintenance and logistical support to the navy's vessels.

Overall, South Africa's naval bases and stations are essential components of the country's defence force. They allow the navy to maintain a strategic presence in the region and provide support to the country's allies and partners.

Training units

Weapons

Surface fleet Ships:

• Valour class

• Warrior class strike craft

• Warrior class

• T class

• Namacurra class

• River class

• SAS Adam Kok

• SAS King Shaka Zulu

• SAS King Sekhukhune I

Submarine:

• Heroine class

Auxiliary fleet

• AOR

• Hecla class

• Damen Stan Tug 2006

• Damen ATD 2909 Coastal

Naval weapons systems

• Exocet MM40 Block 2

• Umkhonto IR Block 2

• 533mm (21") Atlas Elektronik SUT 264 heavyweight torpedo

• OTO Melara 76mm/62 compact

• Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun

• Denel Land Systems GI-2

• M2 Browning

• Browning M1919, FN MAG or Vektor SS-77

Future of the South African Navy

As the South African Navy enters the new decade, it faces numerous challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and seaworthiness of its vessels. One of the most pressing issues is the severe skills shortage that is affecting the Navy's engineering capability. This shortage could impact the Navy's ability to deploy and could also affect the safety of the ships and submarines. The Navy is also facing concerns about whether it has the necessary skills to fully crew multiple highly sophisticated warships and submarines simultaneously. In 2021, it was announced that the ageing Warrior-class offshore patrol vessels would undergo phased decommissioning as the new Warrior-class inshore patrol vessels come online.

Project Hotel is the second future acquisition program for the South African Navy, which aims to replace the sole hydrographic survey vessel, SAS Protea. The construction of this new vessel, currently being built by Durban-based Sandock Austral Shipyard, will represent a significant upgrade in capability for the Navy. Overall, future acquisitions by the South African Navy are crucial in maintaining maritime security and safeguarding the country's economic interests. While the Navy faces significant challenges, these acquisitions demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a strategic presence in the region and providing support to the country's allies and partners.

Simonstown Agreement

The Simonstown Agreement constituted a naval cooperation arrangement between the United Kingdom and South Africa, signed on 30 June 1955. This agreement entailed the United Kingdom relinquishing control of the Simon's Town naval base and transferring command of the South African Navy to the South African government. In exchange, South Africa committed to utilizing the Simonstown base for Royal Navy vessels and was permitted to acquire six anti-submarine frigates, ten coastal minesweepers, and four seaward defence boats from the United Kingdom, with a total value of £18 million over eight years.

The primary objective of the agreement was to establish a mutual defence framework to safeguard maritime routes between the United Kingdom and the Middle East. However, the agreement garnered controversy due to South Africa's policy of racial segregation, known as apartheid. During the planning phase, the agreement aimed to facilitate:

1. The combined use of Simon’s Town by both the Royal Navy and the South African Navy during times of peace and conflict, contingent upon South Africa's neutrality in certain non-Communist wars, albeit a highly unlikely scenario.

2. The gradual assumption of operational and administrative responsibilities for the base by the South African Navy to enable joint usage.

3. The assumption of responsibility by South Africa for operational and administrative control of a local sub-area within a designated South Atlantic Strategic Zone during wartime.

4. The continued designation of a Royal Navy officer as Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic in peacetime, with operational command transitioning to that officer in wartime, alongside the establishment of headquarters and communications in the Cape.

Formally, three components of the Simonstown Agreement were established through an exchange of letters between Minister Frans Erasmus and Selwyn Lloyd. These components included:

1. The Agreement on the Defence of the Sea Routes around Southern Africa, which was encapsulated in letters and memoranda dated 30 June 1955. It outlined the responsibilities of the Royal Naval Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic, and the collaborative planning framework between the Royal Navy and the South African Navy.

2. The Transfer of the Simonstown Naval Base.

3. Ancillary Financial and Administrative Arrangements.

The United Kingdom terminated the agreement on 16 June 1975. Notwithstanding this termination, Royal Navy vessels continued to make periodic port calls at Simon's Town and other South African ports; however, the Royal Navy was unable to access South African ports during the Falklands War. It is noteworthy that at the time of the agreement's signing, South Africa was a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations under the designation "Union of South Africa." Consequently, both the United Kingdom and South Africa concurred that the agreement did not constitute an international treaty requiring registration under Article 102 of the United Nations Charter.