Minor cold war & Modern Navies 3

What is the definition of a “minor navy” ?
Surely there is a “top tier”, which is most often assimilated to a “blue water navy”. And it is most often assorted with a true aircraft carrier (not an assault ship), which gave us a limited club (USN, and Russian Navy, British, French, Italian and Spanish Navies, and in Asia the PLAN, JSDMF, Indian and Thai Navies). Then came “regional navies” sometimes flagged as “green water” navies, which in high tier have guided missile destroyers and assault ships (like Turkey) while the Bundesmarine have not, and they could still make a projection of power due to large ships with logistic for oceanic operations such as anti-piracy missions in the Red Sea. And this is the lower tier, which could defend its EEZ and do limited projection of powers nearby but not much esle, which is the object of the present chapter.

And there is at the bottom what most calls a “brown water” navy. The name suggest essentially a riverine fleet. It’s especially true of the country had still a limited coastal area but restricted budget and/or is landlocked and only has a complement to just a “police force” for its riverine traffic. This is true also for large lakes, like the Tanganyka in Africa. Still between the low tier regional naval power to the small riverine force, enters most nations on the planet. They are classed by alphabetical order. It must be said that 44 countries in the world (on 195 recoignised ones worldwide) are truly landlocked. Let’s cite Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, in Europe alone, but also Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, Slovakia, South Ossetia, South Sudan, Tajikistan, Transnistria, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In population, 475,818,737 so 6% roughly of the world’s population, showing superbly that the bulk of humanity lives close to the sea. Many of these only have a token riverine police force or nothing at all, even with a small river going through, nike Nepal. These are absent of the list but could be added in 2025.

PART III: Norway to Zanzibar

To be released on May, 17, 2025 on a dedicated page

The Union between the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway came to an end in 1905. Earlier Norway — like Sweden — had built up a navy of some coastal battleships and a lot of torpedo-boats. From monitors — one built in Sweden — the 1890s saw the building of 4 coastal battleships at British yards and 4 gunboats of varying types, 1 destroyer and 12 small torpedo-boats. In the last years of the Union only some torpedoboats were added. From 1906 Norway did not do much to modernise her navy which was manned by about 1000 regulars and 1000 annual conscripts under a rear-admiral despite having 13,000 miles of coastline and 150,000 islands to protect: 3 small destroyers, 3 large and some smaller torpedo boats as well as 4 submarines were all the warships built before the First World War broke out. But Norway, like the other two Scandinavian countries, decided to complete her division of coastal battleships. Two such with lighter armament than the contemporary Swedish and Danish vessels were ordered in England in 1912. Launched in 1914 they were both seized by the British government as war broke out and never reached the Horten naval base on Oslofjord. During and after the war the Navy was busy minesweeping and recovering 222 dead bodies washed up on the coast.

The Battleship Norge

Norway’s neutrality veered towards the Allies. In 1916, tipped off by the Admiralty’s Room 40, the Government seized a German diplomatic bag in Kristiania (Oslo) and found glanders germs intended to infect the reindeer pulling sledges of British arms from North Norway to Russia. In January 1918 it was abortively suggested that a coastwatch> ing service be established to monitor U-boats in return for the Navy receiving the latest British hydrophones and other equipment. German efforts to cut cable links between the two countries were always shortlived. From 1919 Norway trusted in the everlasting peace and the League of Nations and only some submarines, voted in 1914, were built and completed during the 1920s.
Norway in WW1 Norway in WW2

The Norwegian Navy in WW2

A short overview in the cold war

KNM Stavanger, Oslo class frigates, the most recoignisable surface combatants of Norway in the cold war

When the Second World War ended Norway had a larger and more modem navy than she had had in April 1940, when the Germans invaded. Only a few units escaped to Britain, but the Norwegian government in exile built up a new navy, mostly of ships borrowed or purchased from Great Britain and Canada. In 1947 the Norwegian Navy consisted of six destroyers (one incomplete), four torpedo boats, five submarines, two frigates, three corvettes and two fishery protection vessels, one coastal minelayer, ten minesweepers, one submarine-chaser, ten motor torpedo-boats and three motor launches.
Durning the immediate postwar years, Norway, like all the European countries, had difficulty finding money for defence measures. The navy had received a number of German warships in 1945, but all these vessels were in bad condition and were soon scrapped. In 1951, the USA delivered ten motor torpedo-boats.

The first step to building a new navy was taken in 1950 with the ordering of motor torpedo-boats from a domestic yard. Thereafter Norway constructed, launched and commissioned series of ships and boats for the navy, built at naval and private yards, in cooperation with other NATO navies and with help from the United States under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.
The proliferation of offshore establishments in the North Sea oilfields brought an increased need for patrol vessels, and in the 1980s the Nordkapp class of multipurpose ‘offshore protection vessels’ was commissioned.
The Norwegian Navy has continued to update its fleet, acquiring new submarines and developing a class of surfaceeffect MCM vessels. However, there have been problems, with the new Ula class submarines reportedly causing dissatisfaction due to excessive machinery noise, and the first surface-effect vessel not entering service until a year after its due date. Further programmes are planned, including the acquisition of new frigates to replace the Oslo class (an indigenous design or Dutch Kortenaer class ships both being considered), new fast attack craft and further modernisations for other classes.

Fleet Strenght 1947 (:decommission)

-Bergen class DDs (1945 UK): Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim: 1966-67
-Stord class DDs (1943 UK): Stord, Svenner: 1959
-Aalesund clas DDs (1941): Aalesund (ex-ZN4), other not completed: 1950
-Odin class DDs (1939): Odin, Thor, Balder: 1959
-Sleipner class TBs (1936): Sleipner, Gyller: 1956
-Hunt class Frigates Arendal, Narvik (tr.1946): 1961
-Corvettes: 2x Nordkapp class (1937), 3 Flower class: Andenes, Nordkyn, Soroy: 1956
-Submarines: Ula class ex. U class (UK) purchased 1943-45: Ula, Utstein, Utvaer, Utsira, Uthaug: 1962-65
-Minelayer Laugen (1917): 1948
-Minesweepers: Glomma class (1940): 1961, Orkla class (1943): 1964, Altra class (NYMS 1944): 1959-62, Otra class (1939): 1963
-Sub chaser Haakon VII (1942): 1974
-9 Fairmile D clas MTBs (Faulk class) 1944: 1959
-3 ex-UK Motor Launches ML 125 class: 1947
New pennant numbers given by NATO from 1950.

Fleet Strenght 1960-90 (:decommission)

-Tromso class frigates (ex Hunt class, acquired 1952): 1965
-Draug class frigates (Ex River class, acquired 1956): 1966-77
-Oslo class Frigates (Built at Horten NyD 1963-67): 1994-99
-Kaura class subs (ex Type VIIC subs war repar. 1950): 1961-64
-Knerter sub (ex U4706 Type XXIII war repar. 1950): 1953
-Kobben class subs (15 Type 207, from Nordseewerke Emden built 1961-67): 1982-1999
-Ula class subs (6 Norge design, assembled 1987-92 by Thyssen Nordseewerke Emden): Active
-Amphibious: LCU-1478 1953: 1975, 2x Kvalsund class 1970: 1992, 5x Reinoysund class 1972: 2010s
-Slaipner class corvettes (Built 1963 Nyland, Oslo): 1993
-Corvette Vadso (Stord Verft, ex whaler 1976): 1985
-2x SC type PBs 1957: 1959
-5x S-Boats tr. 1947: 1952 +3 S-Boats tr. 1951: 1959
-10x ELCO Type MTBs tr. 1951 MDAP: 1961-66
-6x Rapp class FAC(T) Built 1952 Westernoens Baatbyggeri Mangal: 1970
-1 Nasty class FAC(T) 1958: 1967
-19x Tjeld class FAC(T) built 1959-60 West. Baat. Mandal: 1982-95
-20x Storm class FAC(M) built 1963-64 Bergens Mek.Vert./Mandal: 1994-99
-6x Snogg class FAC(M) built 1969-71 Mandal: Active 2010s
-14x Hauk class FAC(M) built 1976-79 Bergens/Mandal: Active.
-Launches: Tarva, Welding (1974): 1995.
-2x Vale class Minelayers (1952) ex-LSMs: to Turkey 1960
-2x Vargsund class minelayers (1945, conv 1952): 1960
-4x Tyre class Coastal Minelayers (ex-AUK ac. 1959): 1976-78
-HNOMS Borgen controlled minelayer (Horten NYd 1960): 1999
-2x Vidar class coastal minelayers (Rosendal/Bergen 1977): Active
-13x 1940 R-Boote transferred 1948: 1951-59
-10x Adjutant type coastal Minesweepers (USA, +5 Built Norway 1954-55): 2 extant 1995.
-2x Lagen class (Aggressive class) minesweepers 1955: 1966 to Belgian navy
-Haakon VII training vessel (1944 ex Gardiner Bay tr. 1958): 1974
-Horton support ship (Horten Wft. 1977): Active
-3x Nordkapp class icebreaker patrol vessels (Built Bergens, Horten, Haugesund 1980-81): Active
-Norge Royal Yacht (1937 UK, gifted to Norway 1945) mod.1985, extant.
-Coast Guard: 2x Andenes class (1965:1981), Farm class (1962: 1999), Nornen (1963): Active

Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate, built in Spain, Bazan yard, Navantia.

Skjold class missile Corvettes (large FAC/Ms): Skjold (P960), Storm (P961), Skudd (P962), Steil (P963), Glimt (P964), Gnist (P965)

Uredd and Uthaug in Bergen, Ula class, forming the entire submarine branch. Replacement is planned FY2025.

A Stridsbät90 class at full speed: Trondenes, Skrolsvik, Kråkene, Stangnes, Kjøkøy, Mørvika, Kopås, Tangen, Oddane, Malmøya, Hysnes, Brettingen, Løkhaug, Søviknes, Hellen, Osternes, Fjell, Lerøy, Torås, Møvik

Fleet Strenght today

-6x Ula class subs (1987-92)
-1st Frigate Squadron: 4x Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate 2004-11: Fridtjof Nansen, Roald Amundsen, Otto Sverdrup, Thor Heyerdahl
-1st Corvette Squadron: 6x Skjold-class patrol boat 1998-2009.
-4x Oskoy class Minesweepers/5x Alta class Minehunters: Surface effect catamaran (built Kvarner Mandal 1994-97)
-Coastal Ranger Command: 20x Combat Boat 90N (1996)
-Fleet Logistics Command: HNoMS Maud, Norge (A553), Magnus Lagabøte (A537), Olav Trygvasson (A536)
-Coast Guard: 12x OPVs: Jan Mayen, Bjørnøya, Harstad, Svalbard, Heimdal, Farm, Barentshav, Sortland, Bergen, Nornen, Njord, Tor

Barentshav-class OPVs: Barentshav, Bergen, Sortland

Sources/Read more

en.wikipedia.org/ Royal_Norwegian_Navy

The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) is a branch of the Royal Armed Forces of the Sultanate of Oman, responsible to defend a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, close to the Strait of Hormuz. A hotbed of trade and a strategic location made the Sultanate weary of foreign interventions, and given the complex and long history of the Sultanate, a navy was created already in 807 CE but established formally in 1650 CE and by, 1970 officially recreated and consolidated.

This is a small yet balanced navy of gunboats, fast missile boats and support, training, cargo and hydro-graphical survey vessels, enough to roam its territorial waters and coastline, protect tankers through the Strait of Hormuz ands anti-piracy, anti-arms smuggling operations. Its headquarters are located in Seeb, near the Muscat International Airport. There is currently a modernization for a larger, more capable fleet, especially since the anti-piracy war started and Houthi insurgency in nearby Yemen. The Royal Oman Police’s fleet is mainly a seperate branch used for inspection, with small boats and patrol crafts, also massively updated. Currently the Omani navy has the largest budget affectation of all three branches.

The Sultanate of Oman, a little smaller than Britain in area and witha population (1991 estimate) of 1,559,000, is situated at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula and holds a strategically very important position, controlling the approaches to the Persian Gulf through the Gulf of Oman. With the additional small area under her control on the Mussandam Peninsula she also virtually controls the narrow Strait of Hormuz which is the only means of entry to the Gulf. It was possible to create a modern navy in the 1970s only with the help of Great Britain and the navy employs a number of expatriates mainly from the UK. The commander of the navy and a few senior officers are on secondment from the Royal Navy. More Omanis are gradually peing recruited into the navy and all officers in the Patrol Boat Squadron apart from the commanding officers are Omanis. In 1982 the first Omani officer to take command of a patrol boat took up his post, but the emerging navy is in grave need of trained officers and men.
Most Omani ships are modern and potent but there is an evident Jack of support vessels and auxiliaries. A British firm, Brooke Marine Ltd, has been a main supplier of ships as has Vosper Thornycroft to a Jesser extent.

The Omani Navy has proved its worth in its involvement in the control of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz Shipping Separation Zones which pass through Omani waters. Requiring two patrol vessels on duty supported by a supply vessel, this is a relatively heavy commitment for such a small force and has been carried out with success since November 1979 and reflects well on the navy’s ability. Patrol boats regularly fired at land targets in an effort to disrupt camel trains during the Dhofar War of 1965-75, although the success of this method was never confirmed. The navy’s role in defeating the communist led insurgency in the sultanate’s southern province was mainly an unglamorous but essential one of logistic support along the barren coastline.
Currently the personnel strength of the Omani Navy is about 3500 officers and men (including civilian employees). In 1987 it was 2400 officers and men. Naval service is voluntary. The navy received some valuable ships in the course of the 1980s, such as four large missile boats of the Dhofar class, the landing ship Nasr Al Bahr and some smaller ships and craft. In March 1992 an order was placed for two large fast corvettes of the Muheet class, which when delivered will be the largest fighting ships in the Omani Navy apart from the landing ship Nasr Al Bahr. Plans to acquire a US Knox class frigate were abandoned. In 1992 naval aviation included four aircraft of Short SMS-3M Seavan type; two of Dornier Do 228-100 type and two Pilatus Porter. The main naval bases are at Muscat (main base dockyard and slipway), Wudam, Mina Raysut, Jazirat Ghanam and Musandam.

History

As a quick reminder, the sultanate became a British protectorate in 1888 due to its strategic position. The Royal Navy assured its defence for a century, until full independence was regained in 1971. Still, a small navy, independent was tolerated in the 1950s and took part in the Dhofar Rebellion in 1962.
Its origin went back to the rule of Imam Ghassan bin Abdullah in 807–824 CE, first ruler to have a local Royal navy, to fend off pirates operating along the western shores of the Indian Ocean and threatening its own, very profitable trade routes. But it went from leaps and bounds after further rulers did not took care of it, going on for 800 years. Meanwhile piirates were free to conduct raids along the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The royal navy of Oman was only formally established in 1650. The court financed construction, armes and manned the ships, created support.

Traditional wooden dhows, roughly identical to those roaming these old trade lines in the past centuries

The Omani Navy then dominated the Western Indian Ocean already again from the 1400s until the Portuguese that changed this in 1508 after invading Oman and secured hold in the region. In 1515 Oman lost its maritime trade routes to the Portuguese, and the latter financed a massive fleet and consolidated a global Empire. From 1624 however the sultanate started to recover ports under Nasir bin Murshid (1624–1649) and Sultan bin Saif (1649–1688). After a long struggle they were able to forced the Portuguese out by 1650. From there, having all the needed ports, a new naval plan was launched and the Omani Navy regained full official status and grew in size and capabilities.

But it was not to last: The next rulers neglected it and piracy again hampered the Sultanbate’s trade. That is under Ahmed bin Said (1749–1783) which started to rebuild the Omani Navy, commissioned four modern 40 guns ships and 25 coastal vessels (likely large Polaccas), and Xebecs. The foort continued into the 1800s. Under Sultan Said bin Sultan (1806–1856) it was far larger, perhaps aorund 100 ships, mostly small but fast and typical of the traditional arabic range, but also some in the European style. In fact several of these were prestige ships usabled for commercial and diplomatic visits. “Al Sultanah” for example visited New York in 1840 with Ahmed bin Al-Noman Al-Ka’abi, first Arab embassy ever sent to the United States.

From 1862, the Sultanate neglected the navy again due to internal squabbles and attracted foreign appetites. In 1888 the Sultanate could not resist to British pressure and became a protectorate of the British Empire. As seen above, in 1962 the small contingents of the Opani Navy still fought locally in the Dhofar Rebellion against communist insurgents, in naval gunfire support for land operations.

Smugglers supporting the Dhofar Rebellion (1971)

In the late 1960s, the Royal Oman Navy was integrated as a naval branch of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, no longer completely separate. After 1971 and full independence, oil fields were discovered and Oman went into a bonanza of new resources, especially after 1973 and 79 as the barrel price skyrocketed. This gave free hands to massively invest in the navy, growing it considerably.

The Cold War RN of Oman

The first step was to acquire deterrence against foreign interventions, by securing a range of patrol boats with aspects of fast attack crafts.
-The first new ship of the Sultanate was, fittingly, a royal yacht/escort, Al Said built by Brooke Marine in 1969-71. Still active as TS from 1997.
-The Al Bushra class were large patrol crafts armed with missiles, tailor-designed for the Omani Navy by Brooke Marine Ltd. Ordered in 1971, seven ships were launched in 1973-77 in two batches. They had notably the brand new exocet missiles.
-2 ex-Dokkum class (NL) coastal minesweepers were acquired in 1974
-Vosper Thornycroft delivered in 1975 the first 5 of a long lineage of patrol boats (Haras). The next were built in Sweden, for a total of nine.
-In 1977-79 was built the largest vessel of the Navy, the support ship Al Munassir (Brooke Marine) with helideck.
-A dozen more LCUs were also acquired in the 1970s, most extant by 1990.

The 1980s saw the acquisition of new vessels, starting with more offensive Fast Attack Crafts:
-The Dhofar class FAC(M) combined OTO melara guns and exocet missiles, while being capable of 40 kts.
-The Seeb class patrol boats were from Vosper Singapore from 1981 (4)
-Watercraft and Hemsworth provided five 16-tons Inshore patrol crafts from 1981.
-In 1981 was also acquired the first Omani landing craft (LCU), three Vosper Singapore vessels.
-In 1982-85 Brooke Marine built a Kalaat tytpe (Algerian design) landing ship at Brooke Marine to round this up with helideck.
-In 1987 was acquited the amphibious transport Fulk Al Salamah (built in Germany), also with helideck.

The Modern Omani Navy

Al Rahmani of the Rakheef class. These are now the most potent ships of the Omani Navy, which counts 5 corvettes, 12 patrol vessels (some missile armed), 3 amphibians, 2 auxiliaries. Next vessels could be built in south Korea, possibly frigates.

As the country’s GDP grew, a new class of ship was soon ordered after 1990s to boost the Navy’s status and projection powers between the red sea, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.
In 1992, two fast corvettes were ordered to Vosper Thornycroft the Quahir al Amwaj class, completed in 1996. These were powerful shipscombining two missiles systems, eight Exocet missiles and a set of Crotale SAMs, an OTO Melara main guns, as well as helicopter deck and hangar.
-In 1995-6 were acquired three Al Bushra class OPVs (Mawj project) built at CMN to replace the first class by Brooke Marine.
In the 2000s a new naval plan raised the bar even more in terms of tonnage:
-In 2007 were ordered three Khareef class corvettes (com. 2013-14) with the same exocets but 12 VL Mica missiles, made by BAE systems.
-In 2012 were ordered the four Al-Ofouq class offshore patrol vessels (1100t) with Oto melara guns and helideck.

Organization

Said bin Sultan Naval Base, official ceremony. src

The main naval base was originally located at the Sultan Bin Ahmed Naval Base in Muscat. It was judged unsfficient for a large fleet, with deeper draught vessels and lacking facilities so it was relocated to Said bin Sultan Naval Base, in Wudam Al Sahil near Al-Musannah from 1988. This was gigantic endaevour, with a homeport for the fleet, training facilities, drydocks and facilities. There is also the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy on site, forming officers and enlisted personnel and all specific branches of the navy. The academy originated from the 1970s and had British officers and cadree, and Pakistani (mostly) non-commissioned officers. However from 1980, most officers were Omani with British and Pakistani technicians remaining for a time. In 1992, the Royal Oman Navy reached 3,000 personnel.
Its structure is simple since it lacks either a marine corps, naval infantry or spec ops unit, neither a naval aviation branch despite operating helicopters. Its amphibious ships are meant to work in close coordination with the Omani Army. A modernization program in the 2010s was setup to better defend Strait of Hormuz with assistance of the Royal Navy which in 2011, train new corvette crews.

Academy flagship, the schooner Shabab Oman

The country is also active in the field of underwter mapping and surveys, and acquired in 2024 as Catamaran Hull Hydrographic Survey Vessel.
Ties with the European industry for new procurement started to shift to South Korea, with MoD minister Song Young-moo meet his counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi. The question of acquiring South Korean destroyers was spoke about and the Oman signed a deal in 2018 for extra ships and main battle tanks.

Omani Super Lynx, deployed on the Omani Corvettes and large OPVs. Officially they belongs to the air force, not the Navy. The EH-101 is also operated

Omani ships in more detail

The Khareef class are three corvettes operated by the Royal Navy of Oman, built by BAE Systems in Portsmouth (£400m deal) with training by VT Group.
They were laid down as Q40-42, launched between July 2009 and June 2011.
Specs:
2,660 tonnes, 99 x 14.6 x 4.1 m (325 x 48 x 13 ft), 2x MTU 4000 diesel, 28 kn, RA 4,500 nmi, crew 100.
Armed with a 76 mm OTO Melara gun, 2 × 30mm MSI DS30M cannons, 12× VL MICA SAM, 8× MM-40 Block III Exocet, 1 helicopter (Lynx)
Sensors: SMART-S Mk2 3D S-band multibeam radar, TACTICOS CMS, Thales NL Sting weapons director

The Qahir class are two missile corvettes designed and built by VT Group with hull and superstructure featuring cladding with radar absorbent material and angled sides, so they are the first “stealthy” Opani ships. Construction was part of Project Muheet on 5 April 1992, starting in September 1992 and they were completed in 1996-1997. Still active, not modernized.
Specs:
1,185/1,450 tons FL, 83.7 x 11.5 x 3.5m (274 ft 7 in x 37 ft 9 in x 11 ft 6 in), crew 60
2x Crossley-SEMP-Pielstick 16PA6 V280 STC Diesel: 32,000 bhp (24,000 kW), 31 kn RA 5,500 nmi/12 kn
1× Otobreda 76 mm 62 Super Rapido, 2× Oerlikon GAM-BO1 20mm, 1×8 Crotale NG SAM, 2×4 MM40 Block 2 Exocet
Kelvin-Hughes Type 1007 nav, HSA MW-08 3D ASR, Thomson-CSF Castor IIJ MRR FCR, HSA STING OFC

The Al-Ofouq class are four patrol vessels ordered as replacements for the Province-class FACs after a competitive tender in April 2012. The contract was awarded to ST Marine of Singapore (USD703 million), beating Damen De Schelde Naval and Goa Shipyard. Essentially a 75 m (246 ft) variant of the 55 m (180 ft) Fearless-class patrol vessel used by Singapore. RNOS Al-Seeb and Al-Shinas were present for the 13th edition of Indo-Omani ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ (Sea Breeze) with INS Trikand, INS Sumitra on 19–24 November 2022. RNOS Al-Seeb was also at its 14th edition in October 2024.
Specs:
1,100 tonnes, 75 x 10.8 x 3.3m (246 x 35 x 11 ft). Crew 66
Propulsion: 2x MTU 20V 8000 M91 diesels CODELOD: 25 kts, RA 3,000 nmi.
Sensors: Thales Variant 2D radar, TACTICOS CMS, Thales NL STIR 1.2 EO Mk 2 EOWD, Thales Vigile ESM, Lacroix decoys
Armament: 1× 76 mm Oto Melara super rapido, 2× 30 mm Oto Melara Marlin-WS, helideck.

Al Said was built by Brooke Marine Ltd, ordered in 1969, launched 7 April 1970 and commissioned in 1971, the first Omani Navy warship. Designed as a yacht for the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, she was converted to a dual purpose ship with a gun on her forecastle and serves as flagship of the sultanate navy. A Fairey Marine Spear patrol boat is carried and she is also fitted with a helicopter deck. Could be used as an escort vessel. Converted to training ship 1983 and renamed Al Mabrukah (Al). Two 20mm guns and Decca 1226 radar added. A new yacht named Al Said was purchased in 2006 from Lürssen.
Specs:
Displacement: 785t standard; 930t full load,
Dimensions: 188ft 4in pp, 203ft 5in oa x 35ft lin x 9ft 10in (57.4m, 62.0m x 10.7m x 3.0m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Paxman Ventura 12-YJCM diesels, 2470bhp: 17kts
Armament: 140mm
Sensors: Radar Decca TM-626
Complement: 32 + 7 staff (plus 32 troops).

This unusual ship was built by Brooke Marine Ltd, Lowestoft. Laid down on 4 July 1977, launched on 25 July 1975, completed on 3 April 1979. Equipped with bow doors and ramp for beaching. Bluff-bowed hull shape and slow speed of only 12kts. Can carry 550t of cargo or eight heavy tanks. Carries a travelling crane of 16-ton capacity which spans helicopter deck, one Westland Sea King or smaller helicopter can be carried. Fitted with Sperry Sea Archer optical fire control. The ship can also be employed as a command vessel. In reserve in the 1990s, discarded.

Specs:
Displacement: 200t full load
Dimensions: 266ft 6in pp, 276ft oa x 49ft x 7ft 4in (81.25m/84m x 15.0m x 2.23m)
Machinery: 2 shafts CP props, 2 Mirrlees-Blackstone ESL83MGR diesels, 2400bhp; 12kts. Range 2000nm/12kts
Armament: 1x 76mm/62 OTO Melara, 2x 20mm (2×1)
Sensors: Radar Decca TM-1229
Complement: 45 (plus 188 troops)

The logistic landing ship Nasr Al Bahr of the Algerian ‘Kalaat’ type ordered on 18 March 1982, launched on 16 May 1984 and completed on 13 February 1985 by Brooke Marine Lowestoft. Vehicle deck 246ft x 24ft (75m x 7.4m), bow ramp (18m) long, beaching cargo load 450t or seven main battle tanks. Equipped with two ‘Sea Truck’ LCVP craft. At the stern a flight deck for one Sea Kang helicopter is arranged but no hangar. There is a 16¢ travelling cargo crane on the deck forward of the superstructure. Maximum cargo load is 650t. Two thousand rounds of ammunition for 40mm guns are provided. The class comprises KALAAT BENI HAMMAD (472) and KALAAT BENI RACHED (473), both active.

Specs:
Displacement: 2500t full load
Dimensions: 262ft 6in pp, 305ft 1in oa x 50ft 10in x 7ft 6in (80/93m x 15.5m x 2.3m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 CP propellers, 2 Paxman Valenta 18RP200CM diesels, 7800bhp: 16kts. Range 4000nm at 13kts
Armament: 4-40mm/70 Breda (2×2), 2 20mm (2×1)
Sensors: Radar Decca 1226, Decca 1290, PEAB 9LV200 FCS and CSEE Lynx EO gunsight
Complement: 13 officers and 68 men (plus 240 troops)

Class: Saba Al Bahr (C 8, launched 30.6.81), A/ Doghas (C 9, 8.9.82, 12.11.82, 10.1.83) Tenesah (C 10, 8.9.82, 15.12.82. 12.2.83).
Built by Vosper (Singapore) Pte Ltd. First ordered in April 1981 and the other two on 8 May 1982. Can carry 100t vehicles or stores. C 9 and C 10 are longer than C 8 with length increased to 108ft 3in oa (33m).
Specs:
Displacement: 230t full load
Dimensions: 98ft 5in oa, 84ft pp x 26ft 3in x 4ft (30m/25.6m x 8m x 1.2m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Caterpillar 34087 A diesels, 1840 bhp: 8kts. Range 1800 nm at 8kts
Armament: None. Complement: 11

The following twin diesel LCUs were extant in 1990 except Al Doghas (stricken 1981), and A/ Dhaibah (stricken 1982):
Al Sansoor (C 4), (Al Doghas C 5, ex-Kinzeer al Bahr), ‘Loadmaster’ class launched by Cheverton, Cowes in 1974, in service January 1975; 60t (130t full load), 6kts, 60ft x 20ft x 3ft 7in, (18.0m x 6.0m x 1.2m), crew 6.
Sulhafa al Bahr (C 3), ‘Loadmaster’ class launched in 1975 by Cheverton, Cowes; 30dwt, 45t, 8.5kts, 45ft x 15ft x 3ft (13. 7m x 4.6m x 1.7m).
Al Dhatbah (C 6), launched in 1975 by Impala Marine, Twickenham; 75dwt, 122¢grt, 9kts, 75ft x 23ft x 5ft (22.9m x 7.0m x 1.5m), crew 8.
Kasab Kumzar, I, Ml, III, built in 1977 by Impala Marine, Twickenham; 122ert, 9kts, 84ft x 25ft x ?) (25.6m x 7.6m x ?)
Al Neemran (C 7), I, launched in 1979-81 by Lewis Offshore, Stornoway; 85t, 8kts (25.5m x 7.4m x 1.8m), crew 8.
Zara 16, Zara 20, Zara 22 built in 1981, 11t standard, 23t full load, 20kts (18m x 3.8m x 0.5m), 2-12.7mm MG (2×1), crew 4. Zara 22 is 52ft 61n oa (16m).

Class: Dhofar (B 10, 30.9.80, 14.10.8), 7.8.82), Al Shargiyah (B 11, Oct 1981, 2.12.82, 5.12.83), Al Bat’nah (B 12, 9.12.81, Nov 1982, 18.1.84), Mussandam (B 14, 8.10.87, 19.3.88, 31.3.89).
Also referred to as the ‘Province’ class. Designed by Vosper Thornycroft (OK) Ltd as a modified version of the Egyptian ‘Ramadan’ class FAC. B 10 ordered in 1980, B 1] and B 12 in 1981 and B 14 in 1986. B 10 is fitted with Sperry Archer Mk 2 fire control system while others have PEAB 9L.V300 system. These ships are fitted with two 100hp electric motors for manoeuvring. Status: Retired.

Specs:
Displacement: 311t light; 394t full load
Dimensions: 170ft 7in pp, 186ft oa x 26ft 10in x 7ft 11in (6ft 11in hull) (52.0m, 56.7m x 8.2m x 2.4m (2.1m)
Machinery: 4 shafts, 4 Paxman Valenta 18RP200 diesels, 18,200bhp: 40kts. Range 2000nm at 15kts
Armament: 6x(8 in B 11, 12, 14) MM40 Exocet SSM (2×3), 1-76mm/62 OTO Melara, 2-40mm/70 Breda (1×2), 2-12.7mm (2×1)
Sensors: Radar in Dhofar (Plessey AWS-4, Decca 1226), other ships Decca TM 1226C
Complement: 45 (5 officers) plus 14 cadets

In September 1993 three craft, with the option for five more, were ordered from the CMN shipyard, Cherbourg. Design is a modified French P 400 type large patrol craft with twin funnels instead of the underwater exhaust for the main engines. First unit delivered in late 1995 without armament, fitted at the Muscat dockyard. The 76mm guns are for the second-group Al Bushra class large patrol craft Which these class replaced in service.
Specs:
Displacement: 475t full load
Dimensions: 178ft 10in x 26ft 3in x 8ft 10in (54.5 x 8.0m x 2.70)
Machinery: 2 shafts, CP propellers, 2 SEMT-Piclstick 16 PA4 V209 diesels, 8000bhp: 24.5kts. Range 4200n/15kts
Armament: 1x 76mm 62 OTO Melara, 2x 30mm (2×1) Autocannon
Sensors: Radar surface search, fire control optronic director
Complement: 26 (3 officers) plus 20 spare berths

Class: Al Bushra (B1), Al Mansur (B2, 26.3.73), Al Nejah (B3, 13.5.73), Al Wafi (B4, 24.3.77), Al Fulk (B5, 24.3.77), Al Mujahid (B6, 6.10.77), Al Jabbar (B7, 6.10.77).
All 37.5m boats built by Brooke Marine Ltd. First three ordered on 5 January 1971 and commissioned 1973, B 4~7 ordered April 1974 and delivered 1977. B 1 B 3 rearmed with Exocet missiles and Sperry Sea Archer fire control systems by builders, November 1977 November 1978. Al Bushra lost on 28 November 1978 when she was washed off the delivery ship while in the Bay of Biscay. A replacement boat was ordered in 1980 and is a Dhofar. B 4-7 fitted with Lawrence-Scott optical director. B 1-3 originally armed with two single 40mm gun fore and aft. Al Mansur stricken 1986. Others late 1990s.
Specs:
Displacement: 140t standard; 185t full load (1st serie), 125t standard; 160t full load (2nd)
Dimensions: 123ft oa x 22ft 8in x 5ft 7in (37.5m x 6.9m x 1.7m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Paxman Ventura 16 RP-200 diesels, 4800bhp: 28kts. Range 3230nm/13kts or 3300nm/12kts
Armament: 2 MM38 Exocet SSM (2×1), 2-40mm/70 Breda-Bofors (1×2), 2 7.62mm MG (in B 1-3) or 1-76mm/62 AA OTO Melara (130rds), 1 20mm, 2 7.62mm MG.
Sensors: Radar Decca TM-916
Complement: 27

Class: Al Nasiri (ex-Axel), Al Salihi (ex-Aalsmeer)
Pennant 1/2. Ex-Netherlands minesweepers (launched 1955) bought by Oman in 1974. Air-conditioned and fitted as patrol boats. Similar to British ‘Ton’ class. Their minesweeping gear was removed and the third 40mm gun placed on the main deck aft. Stricken 1981.

These boats named Haras 1-5 were built in 1975 by Vosper Thornycroff, Singapore. First four operational from 22 December 1975. GRP hulls. Haras 5 delivered in November 1978. All retired;
Specs:
Displacement: 45t full load
Dimensions: 75ft x 20ft x 5ft 10in (22.9m x 6.1m x 1.8m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Caterpillar D438 diesels, 1840 bhp: 24.5kts. Range 600nm at 20kts, 1000nm at 11 kts
Armament: 2 20mm
Sensors: Radar Decca 101
Complement: 11

Small patrol boat built in 1981 by Karlskronavarvet AB. Swedish type CG 29 Gmproved CG 27). GRP hull. Sister ship Haras 9 and 10 also built by Karlskrona, Sweden.
Specs:
Displacement: 80t full load
Dimensions: 94 ft x 17ft x 3ft 3in (27m x 5,2, x 1m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 MTU 8V331 IC82 diesels, 1866 bhp: 25kts
Armament: 2-20mm (2×1)
Sensors: Radar Decca 1226C
Complement: 13

Built in 1981 by Le Comte, Netherlands. Type PT 1903 Mk III. In service August 1981.
Specs:
Displacement: 30t standard; 33t full load
Dimensions: 63ft x 15ft 8in x 4ft (19.2m x 4.8m x 1.2m)
Machinery: 2 MTU 8V33-1 diesels, 1200/1600bhp: 30kts. Range 1650nm/2300nm at 17kts/12kts
Armament: 2-12.7mm MG
Complement: 10

Patrol boat of CG27 type built in 1980 by Karlskronavarvet on GRP hull. Operated by the police.
Specs:
Displacement: 53t
Dimensions: 78ft 9in x 18ft lin x 6ft 2in (24.0m x 5.5m x 1.9m)
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 MTU 12V331 diesels, 2660bhp: 25kts
Armament: 1-20mm Oerlikon
Complement: 11

Dheeb Al Bahar I in service 1984, built by Watercraft Ltd, 80t full load, 38kts, 68ft 3in oa x 19ft x 4ft lin, (20.8m x 5.8m x 1.5m), armament 1-20mm, 67.62mm (6 x 1).
Dheeb Al Bahar II/III in service 1988, built at Yokohama, 65t full load, 36kts, 75ft 6in x 17ft lin x 3ft 1lin (23.0m x 5.2m x 1.2m), armament 1x 7.62mm.

Class: Al Seeb (B 20), Al Shinas (B 21), Al Sadh (B 22), Al Khasab (B 23)
Built by Vosper, Singapore; all commissioned August 1981. GRP hulls, Extant 1995. Other patrol craft. Five Watercraft and Emsworth type inshore patrol craft (16/18t, 45f/52.5ft, 32kts) built 1981 and 1987: Zahra 14, 15, 17, 18, 21.
Specs
Displacement: 75t full load
Dimensions: 82ft 10in oa, 75ft 6in pp x 19ft x 5ft 2in (25m, 23m x 5.8m x 1.6m)
Machinery: 3 shafts, 2 MTU 12V331TC-92BW255 diesels, 3072bhp: 26kts. Range 200nm at 8kts. +1 Cummins 200bhp cruise diesel for 8 kts
Armament: 1-20mm
Sensors: Radar Decca
Complement: 13

Sources

Conway’s all the world’s fighting ships 1947-95, p.296-298
on navypedia.org/
mod.gov.om/en-US
globalsecurity.org oman-navy-history.htm
globalsecurity.org/ oman-navy.htm
OMAN’S MARITIME DOCTRINE Submitted by Khamis Salim Sulaiman Aljabri to the University of Exeter
on naval-technology.con

Full Page there

Like most South American Navies, the Paraguayan Navy dated back the Bolivarian revolutions, and was created in 1811. The Armada Paraguaya was ans still is a “brown navy”, totally riverine and without offshore capability. Part today of the Armed Forces of Paraguay it is tasked to defend Paraguayan waters, despite not having direct access to the sea. Access to the sea was partially restored during the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, as well as a the Chaco War (1932–1935) against Bolivia. Landlocked, its maritime tradition depended of a permanent access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Paraguay–Paraná rivers. The forces are spread between twelve bases contrlling all important waterways points. The main base is the Puerto Sajonia, Asuncion, then Bahia Negra, Ciudad del Este, Encarnacion, Salto del Guaira. The air force also contributes to its surveillance tasks, from Puerto Sajonia.

ARP Paraguay (C1), flagship, a 1930 ex-US Coast Guard Patrol vessel donated by the US. In the cold war, the Navy made the acquisition of three ex-Argentinian Bouchard class minesweepers: Nanawa, Capitan Meza and Teniente Farina in 1964-68, still active in the 1990s. They had four Bofors guns and two Browning M2HB. Itaipu was a former Briazilian Roraima class riverine gunboat. She was ordered in 1982 from Arsenal de Marihna in Rio, laid down in March 1983, completed in April 1985 and provided with ah helideck. She became P05 in 1989 and is still active.
Others as two ex-CG class USCG vedsels, and two US 701 types from the US. The Paraguayan built P07 class is 18ton, 200 hp for 12 kts, 2x M2HB HMG.

Equipment and structure

Today, the Navy has 34 surface ships, many being already more than a century old, mostly due to their nature as gunboats. They remained unaffected by modern tech and the constant race out at sea. These are flat-bottom fresh water vessels, speed is not an issue although there are speedboats in use for special operations. The flagship is still the good old Humaita, commissioned prior to Paraguay’s involvement in the Chaco War. Four patrol vessels completes this as main riverine gunboats (oldest 1908, newest in 1985). There are in complement 17 patrol boats of various drafts. Four were donated by Taiwan and the United States recently and while 13 designed and built locally. There is also an important auxiliary fleet of tugboats, barges, landing craft, transports, and a presidential yacht.

The Paraguayan Navy is divided into two main naval areas that in Bahía Negra. Helicopter facilities are in Asunción and aircraft at Silvio Pettirossi Airport with Cessna planes trainers and liaison aircraft. The UH-12 is officially in storage as of 2024.
The latest additions are four Croc-class riverine vessels from Australia, 43 locally built riverline patrol vessels in 2006–2009. Air support is provided by a single Helibras HB350 helicopter for SAR, MEDEVAC or utility tasks.
Note: The country in 1995 had 3664 officers and men and 500 marines divided into three brigades, all under a Marine Infantry Command. Today it is 5400 strong total. It’s motto is Vencer o Morir (To win or to die). It’s anniversary is on 12th September, with chants of “Marcha al Mariscal Lopez”.

UN Peacekeeping Missions undertook by the Paragayan Navy:
Haiti (MINUSTAH), Cyprus (UNIFICYP), Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Central African Republic Central African Republic (MINURCAT), Ivory Coast (UNOCI)
Sudan (UNMIS), Liberia (UNMIL), and Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

List

-Gunboat ARP Paraguay (C1), built 1930. Still active, off-shore capabilities.
-Gunboat ARP Humaitá (C2) (same, still commissioned but as museum ship)
-River patrol ship ARP Capitán Cabral (P01)
-River patrol ship ARP Itaipú (P05)
-Patrol vessel ARP Capitán Ortiz (P06)
-Patrol vessel ATP Teniente Robles (P07)
-Patrol vessel ARP Yhaguy (P08)
-Patrol vessel ARP Tebicuary (P09)
-Five patrol boats: LP7-LP11
-Two Class 701 patrol boats Class: LP101 108
-Two Croq-15 class patrol boats: P201-202
-Forty three Light patrol boats: All constructed in Paraguay between 2006 and 2009
-Patrol vessel ARP Pirá 500 SL 5 × 1.60 m. Yamaha 25 hp.
-Patrol vessel ARP Pirá 170 SVX 5.20 × 1.60 m. Yamaha 40 hp.
-Patrol vessel ARP Pirá 240 SVX 6.50 × 2,40 m. Yamaha 90 hp.
-Patrol vessel ARP Pirá 4.80 × 1.80 m. Yamaha 50 hp.
-Tugboat Triunfo R4 (1960), constructed in USA
-Tugboat Angostura R5 (1960) constructed in USA
-Tugboat Stella Maris R6 (1970)
-Tugboat Esperanza R7 (1970)
-Amphibious LCVP 3 (1980, from Brazil)
-Floating dock: DF-1 (1944) (US built)
-Training ship: Guaraní (1968, Spain)
-Presidential yacht 3 de Febrero (1972)
-Casualty ship T1 (1964)

Croc-15 patrol vessel

Pirá 170 type speedboat

Sources

Cooke, Melinda W. (1990). “Chapter 5: National Security”. In Hanratty, Dennis M.; Meditz, Sandra W. (eds.). Paraguay: A Country Study. Area Handbook Series (2nd ed.). Library of Congress. pp. 216–217.
Conway’s all the world’s fighting ships 1947-95: P.302
The Paraguay Squadron. Harper’s Weekly, (1858 Oct. 16), p. 669.
armadaparaguaya.mil.py
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armada_Paraguaya
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguayan_Navy

Barzan class Al Uleid. In commissioned from 1996, UK built at Vosper Thornycroft. They are 380/53t ships capable of 35 kts, armed with on OTO Melara 76mm, one 30mm Goalkeeper, two Exocet MM40 Block 3 anti-ship missiles and a Mistral 6-cell launcher, so quite capable ships.

The State of Qatar only had a navy from its independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. In 1992 the armed forces had grown considerably, helped by the pretoluem industies revenues. At that stage, there were 700 personnel and the bulk of the lfeet was constituted around three La Combattante III missile boats from France, joined soon by six Vosper Thornycroft patrol boats. In 2010 it rose to 1,800 personnel, and more frequent naval exercises with the USN and others. This is a small mobile force that that can intercept and repel incursions in its limited territorial waters. The Iran–Iraq War early on showed its vulnerability and ways the navy could be made more efficient. As of 2024 many analysts considers it as under-manned, under-trained, under-equipped to efficiencly protect its commercial assets. Specialized branches arte the Qatari coast guard, Qatari marine police and coastal artillery, equipped with mobile and fixed radar and missile launchers.

The Qatari Navy until 1990

Qatar 1s a small but prosperous Gulf State (4247 square miles, coastline 350 miles, population (1992 UN estimate 485,000). More than half the population reside in the capital, Doha. The state’s naval forces evolved from a coast guard force in the 1970s. Until 1971 Qatar was one of nine independent emirates in the Arabian Gulf which had special treaty relations with the UK. In that year, with the withdrawal of British forces from the area, the treaties were terminated. The state does rely to some extent on Western assistance to operate its armed forces, which have total personnel of about 7000.
The 1994 strength of the Naval Force was 850 officers and men, including the Marine Police. The main base is at Doha and a second base is located at Halul Island. The navy has received no new craft since three “Combattante III M” fast attack craft were delivered in 1982-83, but in 1992 funds were allocated for four fast attack craft to be built by Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. Truck-mounted Exocet missiles are deployed for coast defence.

List

-3x La Combattante IIIM FACM
-4x Vosper Vita type FAC
-2x 75ft Vosper PCs
-6 Fairey Marine Spear class PCs
-7x P1200 water craft
-2x Fairey Marine Interceptors

Danvah (La Combattante) class FAC(M)

Class: Danvah (6.6.81, 17.6.82, 10.11.82), Al Ghariyah (26.8.81, 23.4.82, 10.2.83), R’Biva (27.10.81, 22.12.82, 11.5.83).
Ordered from CMN, Cherbourg October 1980. In 1980 Qatar ordered about 100 MM40 Exocet missiles for these boats and Jand batteries, Two CSEE Panda directors for fire control. Very similar to Nigerian Siri class. Pennant numbers Q 01, Q 02, Q 03 respectively. Stil active 2024.
Displacement: 345t standard; 395t full load
Dimensions: 173ft 10in pp, 183ft 9in oa x 20ft 9in x 7ft 1in (53/56m x 8.1 x 2.1m)
Machinery: 4x shafts, MVPU 20V5 38 B94 diesels, 15,000bhp 8.5kts. Range 20000m at 15 kts
Armament: 8x MM40 Exocet SSM (2×8), 1x 76mm 62 DP OTO Melara, 2x 40mm/70 70 Breda-Bolors Compatto, 2×2 30 mm Emerlec, Dagaie chaff RL.
Sensors: Radar Decea 1226, Thomson-CSE Pollux, Castor, ESM/ BGM Racal Cutlass Cygnus.
Complement: 41 (6 officers).

“VITA” class FAC(M)

Vosper Thornycroft ‘VITA’ type fast attack craft. A contract for four modified ‘Vita’ type to be built by Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd was announced on 4 June 1992. First steel was cut on 20 July 1993 and the prototype boat, named Bazan, was launched on April 1995. Other three craft were completed at six-monthly intervals thereafter. They are characterised by a long raised forecastle for better seakeeping. The side-plating forward feature a pronounced antispray knuckle. Proposed replacement of Goalkeeper CIWS with Crotale SAM is a result of Gulf conflict experience.
Displacement: 376t full load
Dimensions: 183ft 9in x 29ft 6in x 7ft 7in 53.6m x 9.0m x 2.3m
Machinery: 4 shafts, 4 MTU 20V 538 TB93 diesels, 18,740bhp = 35kts. Range 1800nm at 12kts
Armament: 4 or 8 MM40 Exocet SSM (2 x 2 or 2 x 4), 1-76mm/62 OTO Melara, 1x30mm Goalkeeper CIWS or ThomsonCSF Crotale SAM, 2-12.7mm
Sensors: Radar air surface search, navigational; fire control Signaal STING, IRESCAN electro-optical tracker; combat data system SEWACO FD with Thomson-CSF TACTICOS, Link Y; ECM/ESM Thomson CSF DR30008S, Dassault ARBB33, CSM Dagaie chaff launcher
Complement: 47 (7 officers)

Vosper Thornycroft 110ft

Class: Barzan (Q 11, 13.1.75), Hwar (Q 12, 30.4.75), That Assuart (Q 13, 3.10.75), Al Wusaail (Q 14, 28.10.75), Fateh al Khair (Q 15, 22.1.76), Tarig (Q 16, 13,76).
Ordered in 1972-73. All laid down by Vosper Thornycroft, Portsmouth, between Sepember 1973 and November 1974, Some sources give displacement 100t standard, 140t full load and power 4000bhp. Others refer to these ships as 103ft type with 31.1m pp, 32.4m oa x 6.3m x 1.6m and armed with 2 30mm (1×2) and 2 20mm.
Displacement: 120t
Dimensions: 110ft x 21 ft x 5ft 6in 33.5m x 6.4m x 1.7m
Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Paxman Valenta 16-cyl diesels, 6000—6250bhp = 27kts
Armament: 2 20mm (1×2)
Complement: 25

Others misc.

75ft coastal patrol craft: Two 60t units built by Whittingham & Mitchell, Chertsey, England. In service 1969 with 2x 20mm. Stricken 1990.
Keith Nelson 45ft type coastal patrol craft: Two units built early 1970s by Keith Nelson, Bembridge, a division of Vosper. A third vessel of this group has been converted into a pilot cutter. Displacement: 13t Dimensions: 44ft 3in x 12ft 6in x 3ft 7in 13.5m x 3.8m x 1.1m. Machinery: 2 Caterpillar diesels, 800bhp = 26kts. Armament: 1-12.7mm MG, 2-7.62mm MG (2×1). Complement: 6. Now retired
Fairey Marine ‘SPEAR’ class coastal patrol craft:
Class: QO 70-95.
All built by Fairey Marine 1974-77. Seven ordered early 1974. Delivered June 1974-February 1975. Contract for further five assigned December 1975. Three more delivered; two on 30 June 1975 and one on 14 July 1975. Order for ten further craft (four Mk 1, six Mk 2) received October 1976 and delivery effected April 1977.
Displacement: 4.3t/10t. Dimensions: 29ft 10in x 9ft 2in x 2ft 8in 9.1m x 2.8m x 0.8m. Machinery: 2 shafts, 2 Perkins T6—-354 diesels, 580bhp = 26kts. Armament: 3-7.62mm MG. Complement: 4. Now retired
Watercraft P 1200 type coastal patrol craft: 7 Brity-built 1980 (12.7t, 2-MGs, 660hp, 2 shafts = 29kts) with a complement of 4 each. Retired.
Fairey Marine ‘Interceptor’ class: Fast assault/rescue craft (1.25t, 270bhp = 35kts with a range of 150nm at 30kts). Delivered 28 November 1975. Now retired.

2024 List

-4x Doha class corvettes (2018-23)
-2x Musherib class OPVs (2018-22)
-2x Ares 150 Hercules class (2020)
-3x Damsah class FAC (see above)
-4x Barzan class FAC (1996-97)
-3x MRTP 34 class FAC (2013)
-4x MRTP 24/U class FAC (2018)
-4x MRTP 24/U class FAC (2019, armament different)
-10x MRTP 20 class FAC (2020)
-3x MRTP 16 class FAC (2012)
-1x Al Fulk LPD (2016)
-1x Robha class LST
-4x unnamed LSU
-1x unnamed support ship
-2x Doha class TS (2021)
-4x 120 tonsVosper patrol boats (see above)
-6x Vosper 110 ft. class (see above)
-6x Damen Polycat 1,450 class PCs
-x2 Keith Nelson type 44 ft.class PCs
-x2 Fairey Marine Interceptor class PCs
-4x MV-45 class PCs
-25x Fairy Marine Spear class (see above)
-5x P-1500 class PCs (see above)
-4x DV-15 class PCs
-3x Helmatic M-160 class PCs
-11 fast interceptor boats, Special maritime forces
-2 Halmatic (Vosper Thornycroft) Pilot craft
-4 Rotrork craft

Coastal forces

4 × Goalkeeper anti missile\aircraft gun NL wheeled
4 × Stingeo ship sensor NL wheeled
4 × Exocet coast defense batteries on trucks
4 × MMR-3D Radar on trucks

Plans

The patrol boat program:
-Six new PCs, first unit started 2012, delivered 2014.
-Four corvettes planned at Damen/Nakilat with Sigma hulls.
The Qatar Coast Guard Services ordered 17 new fast patrol boats from the Turkish ARES Shipyard. Ten “ARES 110 Hercules” multi-role 117 tons PCs and five “ARES 75 Hercules” multi-role 58 tons PCs plus two “ARES 150 Hercules” multi-role 245 tons PCs. Using advanced composite materials.
On 31 March 2014, Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) signed two MoUs for deliveri of seven vessels under $851 million, 50 m (164 ft)-long axe-bow high-speed patrol vessels, one 52 m (171 ft)-long diving support vessel including decompression capabilities as well as a large Integrated Logistic Support package.
On 16 June 2016, Qatars signed LoA with Fincantieri for a landing helicopter dock (like the Kalaat Béni Abbès).

Doha-class corvettes (3,250 tons) with helicopter deck and hangar delivered since. They are the most potent today in the Qatari Navy, featuring an Oto Melara 76 mm, two 30 mm guns, 16-cell VLS for Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, 8 Exocet MM40 Block III anti-ship missiles, and a RAM launcher with 21 RIM-116 short range rolling airframe missiles.
First keel laid by Fincantieri in November 2018, now almost all delivered unde the Al Zubarah class (or Doha class) programme. Names Al Zubarah F101, Damsah F102, Al Khor F103, Sumaysimah F104.
Alsp: 2x offshore patrol boats (670 tons) admed with an Oto Melara 76 mm, 2 30 mm guns, 8-cell VLS for VL MICA short range surface-to-air missiles and 4 Exocet MM40 Block III anti-ship missiles under €4.9 billion for all the Fncantieri orders.
On 19 December 2017, the Qatari Navy wanted underwater capabilities and started prospecting for light submarines.
Two cadet training ships were also ordered from from Turkish shipbuilder Anadolu Shipyard. 1,950 tonnes with helipad (medium-size helicopter) and offshore patrol duties in case of crisis.
In February 2020, Qatar signed a MoU with Fincantieri, to acquire submarines and aircraft carriers under 5-billion-euro deal already signed in 2017.

Sources

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/gulf/qatar-navy.htm
on en.wikipedia.org
navalnews.com/ fincantieri launches first OPV for quatar
navalnews.com fincantieri starts work first OPVs
fincantieri.com musherib-class/
naval-technology.com qatar/
armyrecognition.com/ barzan class
web.archive.org defencejournal.com barzan
on dohanews.co/
on armyrecognition.com
on ares.global/
on forbes.com
on reuters.com/
on tacticalreport.com
on web.archive.org qatar corvette and patrol vessel
Conway’s all the world’s fighting ships 1947-1995 p423.

The Navy of El Salvador (Naval de El Salvador) is the naval arm, founded on 12 October 1951. It was created from ships initially from the Salvadoran Coast Guard. This is a small green water navy of patrol boats, for patrols and fishery protection. As of today, this force comprises three Camcraft-type patrol boats (ex-US, for oilfield crews). Plans included new ships ordered from Chile as replacement as some of these are way past half a century as shown below:

Originally built by Camcraft, Crown Point, USA, 100t patrol boats from 1975 (PM06-08). Unarmed but small arms and perhaps a pintle-mounted Browning cal.05 HMG.

Other vessels includes the following:
PM10, Swiftship (Morgan City) 65 ft class Patrol boat, 36t (1984).
PM11, Swiftship (Morgan City) 77 ft class Patrol Boat, 69t (1985).
PM12, USCG Point class cutter (Martinac SB, Tacoma) 69t Patrol boat (1967).
-8x 37-foot Boston Whaler donated by US government, probably 1980s.
-8x PC01-09 (Protector class, 11t acquiored 1988-89, one discarded 1998.
-1x BD02 USN LCM(8) craft 121t, 1950s com. 1987.
-3x BD04-06 USN LCM(8) craft, same but commissioned 1996, 2010.
-BL01 General Manuel José Arce. Cactus/Balsam-class Ex-USCGC Madrona Support vessel (1038t). Originally a seagoing buoy tender for the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. Decommissioned, sold to El Salvador in 2002. Status: sunk.
Future plans includes three patrol boats from Chile, 107 tons,32.7 x 6.7 x 2.1 meters, crew 14, 18 knots, one 20mm gun, one 12.7mm HMG.

More

“El Salvador”. Military Technology World Defence Almanac. Bonn : Wehr & Wissen 2005
on armada.cl/
on web.archive.org
on fuerzaarmada.mil.sv
on country-data.com
on web.archive.org/
on en.wikipedia.org

The Royal Saudi Navy (formally known as the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, or RSNF) is the naval branch of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. It is tasked with protecting the kingdom’s maritime interests, securing its territorial waters, and ensuring the safety of its critical sea routes, such as those near the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It was founded in 1960 and its headquarters are now in Riyadh as administrative center.
Naval Bases:
King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail (Eastern Fleet, Arabian Gulf).
King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah (Western Fleet, Red Sea).
This Navy was tasked with the following:
-Maritime Defense: Protects Saudi territorial waters and sea lanes.
-Securing Energy Exports: Safeguards oil and gas shipments passing through the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.
-Counter-piracy Operations: Plays a role in combating piracy, especially in regions near the Gulf of Aden.
-Supporting Coalitions: Contributes to joint maritime operations with allied nations, particularly in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.
The RSNF is a regional blue water navy, operating a mix of capable surface vessels and also submarines, patrol boats and amphibious ships. A full sprctrum including Al Riyadh-class frigates (Mod. La Fayette-class), Avante 2200 corvettes, Patrol Boats and fast attack craft as well as minesweepers and support Vessels for logistics and amphibious operations, advanced anti-ship and air defense systems, and a growing naval aviation wing with helicopters like the MH-60R Seahawk.
The Saudi Arabian Navy also called for modernization Programs with the Saudi Naval Expansion Program II (SNEP II) to upgrade the fleet with modern frigate as well as corvettes, and support ships as well as acquisition of advanced systems from the US, France, Spain.

Al Makkah, a modern stealthy Frigate

The RSNF also engages in regular joint exercises with the United States, UK and regional partners such as the Bahrain and the UAE. The were also training agreements with Western countries ensure the RSNF remains well-prepared for modern naval warfare.
With Saudi Arabia being a leading oil exporter, the RSNF plays a critical role in ensuring the safe transit of energy resources. Its presence in key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb is vital for regional stability.
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The Montenegrin Navy and Serbian riverine flotilla were the result of the Yugoslavian breakup in the wake of the fall of USSR and after a decade of issues following the death of Tito (1980), this happened in 25 June 1991 to 27 April 1992. In 1990 the former communists lost power to ethnic separatist parties in the first multi-party elections across the country, except in Montenegro and Serbia. S. Milošević and his allies there won but the situation was tense due to nationalist rhetoric on all sides.

From June 1991 and April 1992 there four constituent republics independent. Only Montenegro and Serbia remained in the former federation, Germany recognizing the independence of Croatia and Slovenia which left the question of resident ethnic Serbs outside Serbia and Montenegro a real issue. Same for ethnic Croats outside Croatia, and after inter-ethnic incidents, the Yugoslav Wars started, first in Croatia and in Bosnia-Herzegovina with much force. The was left its mark decades later and the memory will still weigh heavily on inter-state relations there. On April 27, 1992, the Federal Council of the Assembly of the SFRY, following advice from the Republic of Serbia and Assembly of Montenegro, adopting the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

It seems highly counter-intuitive to speak of any “Serbian Navy” as after the 1991 partition, the country was, and is still currently landlocked. So apart its riverine vessels, the one and only access to the Adriatic sea and to naval assets, was through Montenegro. Both countries remained indeed in the “federation or Yugoslavia”, later the Federal “Republic of Yugoslavia” (FRY, 1992–2003) and “State Union of Serbia and Montenegro” (2003–2006). Technically they shared the assets left from the partition. The Yugoslavian Navy of Tito in the late 1980s was quite respectable, with a destroyer, four corvettes, 16 submarines and a large numbers of smaller surface combatants. The war of Independence of Croatia resulted in most ports along the eastern Adriatic -like Split, Pola, Zadar, Šibenik and Dubrovnik (three former naval bases here)- ended in Croatian hands.
Bosnian Herzegovina had a small corridor at Neum, whereas the shorter coast of Montenegro went down to Albania. So speaking of any Serbian Navy is tricky after the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, hampered by inertia and the lack of political will on both sides, led to its dissolution in 2006.

Animated Description of the breakup (cc).

This resulted in two entities, seen here, the Montenegrin Navy and the Serbian River Flotilla, seen below.

Serbian River Flotilla

The Serbian River Flotilla (Речна флотила or Rečna flotila) is a tactical brown water naval branch, subordinated to the Serbian Army and patroling on the Danube, Sava, and Tisa rivers. It is responsible for environmental policing, counter-terrorism, border security.
It always existed in fact, going bacl well before even the creation of the Yugoislav Kingdom in the interwar or the Soviet Republic under Tito. Indeed the Serbian Šajkaši river troops guarding the Danube and Sava rivers as well as the Port of Belgrade against the Ottoman Empire, which themselves communicated and attacked using river fleets, remained a constant subject of activity for four centuries, from the 16th to the 19th century.

These local troops were sponsored either by Hungarian or Austrian lords and were composed of ethnic Serbs with a specific military status. They operated a kind of rivering rowing galley, the chaika (Šajka) between 30 and 50 men: Generally they had an officer, helmsman, armourer, drummer, two bowman, 36 oarsmen. They also made the modern Serbian šajkača hat a derivative of the Banat, part of the Šajkaši Battalion uniform. They helped the country gaining independence as a constitutional monarchy and to create modern Serbia. For the first time in the war of 1876, this River Flotilla deployed naval mines on the Danube, first use in Europe.

The Kingdom of Serbia had its first true riverine warship, the patrol boat “Jadar” on August 19, 1915 which is commemorated as the establishment of the modern Serbian River Flotilla. It protected lines of communication between Belgrade and Obrenovac and carried Serbian troops notably in Syrmia as well as laid mines and scouted the rivers. It was integrated in a new state of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and renamed the “Danube Flotilla”, headquartered in Novi Sad, commanded over naval detachments, centered around a core of monitors and many auxiliary vessels plus the naval base of Lake Ohrid, Macedonia.
There were several detachments of armored river boats and river assault ships as well as river auxiliary ships and minesweepers and post-WW2 they formed the rivering component within the Yugoslav Navy. It was deployed and very active during the War in Croatia in 1991 and proved instrumental in the Battle of Vukovar.
After the breakup of Yugoslavia, in 1992 the River Flotilla remained part of Navy in general, which most coastal assets were taken over by Montnegro and riverinbe assets by Serbia.

Organization of the Serbian River Flotilla

In 1999 the flotilla integrated one Neštin class river minesweeper, two 601 class landing craft, transferred from Montenegrin sea service to the Serbian River Flotilla. The Brodotehnika Shipyard in Belgrade was also modernized and overhauled for their service. The Flotilla was reformed on October 2, 2008 with new pontoon units integrated in its structure and in 2017, “Kozara”, the flagship, sailed from Novi Sad to Hungary, the first of such trips since 1915.
The current Flotilla is organized along this way:
A Command Company in Novi Sad, the 1st River Detachment also in Novi Sad and its dependent 93rd Diving Company.
The 2nd River Detachment in Belgrade,
The 1st Pontoon Battalion in Šabac,
The 2nd Pontoon Battalion in Novi Sad,
The Logistics Company in Novi Sad.

Assets of the Serbian River Flotilla

FRY and Montenegrin Navy

The Montenegrin Navy was established in 2006, following the secession of Montenegro from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (FRY and later SUSM). Nearly all of the former late cold war Yugoslavian navy’s assets were inherited by the State Union, Montenegro having sovereignty over the entire coastline of the former union, and retaining after 2006 the entire naval force.
It’s a green water navy, far smaller than the original Yugoslavian Navy, which numerous assets were gradually phased out in the 1990s. See the fate of these in the FRY sections below.

Montenegrin Navy Organization

1-Naval Surface Forces (Površinske pomorske snage):
> Patrol Boat 33 and 34 (Patrolni Brod 33/34) units.
> Patrol Boat 34 (Patrolni Brod 34)
> Rescue Detachment (Odred za spašavanje)
2- Observation Forces: Coastal Surveillance Detachment
3-Special Forces (Specijalne snage): Marine Detachment (Pomorski odred)
4-Training ship Jadran (Školski brod “Jadran”)
5-Serving Platoon (Vod za opsluživanje)

Naval Bases:
-Bar Naval base (Bar)
-Pero Ćetković base (Bar)
-Pristan base (Herceg Novi)

Montenegrin Navy Assets

–Končar class fast attack craft (Legacy ships): P-105 Durmitor, RTOP-406 Ante Banina, converted to patrol boats (missiles removed), still active.
-PO-class, PO-91: 1 in reserve, legacy ship. Small 1980s small multi-role transport ship.
-PR-41 (Orada) and LR-77 salvage tugs (legacy boats)
-TS Bojana and Milena, small sailing ships, also legacy.
-3 Masts schooner Jadran, ex-German
-Diving Boats Ronilačka baraksa 81 and 85 (Legacy)
-Motor boat ČM 33 (legacy)
-Motor boat Polycat (Purchased in the NL)
-2 Inflatable fast boats Valiant 620PT (UK)
-Yacht Jadranka (on sale)

Major Surface Combatants, FRY

The Serbian Navy inherited from the Cold War Yugoslav Navy and felt confident to recuperate the bulk of its forces stationed on its limited coasts. Antiquities such as the 1950 destroyer Split was discarded in 1980, but the replacement two missiles frigates KONI I type, VBP-31-32 were still in service, renamed Split and Kopar by the Serbian Navy. The latter was discarded in 1995, scrapped in 2008 and Split in 2013.

More recent ships were the Kotor class frigates also built in the 1980s as Veliki Patrolni Brod (VPBR 33, 34), retained and gave to the Montenegran Navy in 1991 but discarded in 2019.

Submarines, FRY

In all, Yugoslavia operated c16 submarines during the cold war. We will concentrate here on the most “recent”.
The oldest, retired by 1987 were the SUTJESKA class (1958), locally designed.
The Heroj class (1967) served with the Montenegrin Navy from 1991. During the Croatian War of Independence, all three were relocated from Lora Naval Base to Montenegro, last two decommissioned and scrapped in 2004 but Heroj was restored and preserved at Porto Montenegro Museum in 2013.
As for the SAVA class submarines (1977) completed 1978-81, they were relocated to Montenegro with the Croatian War of Independence with the major overhaul planned on stopped in 1996 and she was decommissioned in 1999. Sava was decommissioned in 2002, offered for sale but sold for scrap in 2008.
As for the four UNA class midget submarines, completed 1985-89 at Split under designation of ‘M 100-D’ type. They were relocated to Boka Kotorska with the Croatian Independence and served with the SR Yugoslav Navy (that is the Serbian -Montenegro federation) but Soča (P-914) was captured in drydock by Croatian forces and entered service as Velebit (P-01).
As for the Mala class swimmer delivery vehicles of the same period, two were reported captured by the Croatians in 1992, two extant 1995 with the Montenegrins.

Minor Surface Combatants

-Soviet ‘SHERSHEN’ class fast attack craft: 3 vessels 1965, discarded 1993-95.
-TYPE 201 fast attack craft (torpedo), 11 vessels close to the Shershen under licence 1966-71, 2 to Croatia 1991, 5 FRY discarded 1992, 2 discarded 1996.
-Soviet ‘OSA I’ class fast attack craft (torpedo): 9 soviet built, transferred 1960s, taken over by Croatia 1991, Discarded 1992-95+.
-TYPE 240 fast attack craft (missile): Six Koncar class, all but two taken over by Croatia, last two active with the Montenegrin navy.
-TYPE 400 ‘KOBRA’ fast attack craft (missile): 2 in cosntruction ion Zagreb, now in the Croatian navy
-MORNAR class Large patrol craft: 2 ships discarded 1992.
-TYPE 501 ‘KRALJEVICA’ class large patrol craft: 8 ships, stricken pre-1990.
-TYPE 509 ‘KRALJEVICA’ class large patrol craft: 15 ships, stricken pre-1990.
-Mirna class patrol craft: 11 ships built in the 1980s, 2 to Croatia, 7 rlocated to Boka Kotorska, FRY, decommissioned in the 200s, last 2012 with the Montenegro Navy

Amphibious Warfare vessels

-The DTM 221 class landing crafts were 1950s MPFs copies (a German WW2 landing barge) were decommissioned in 1990-92. 229, 232, 513 and 514 remained in service with the Yugoslav Federation Navy until 2006.
-Type 21 landing craft, 30 made in Kortila, 1976-79. Discarded 1991-92 but half taken over by Croatia, since discarded in 1995-96.
-Type 22 landing craft, 12 GRP boats, half taken over by Croatia, remainder FRY until discarded.
-SILBA class landing ship: Unique ship, Spht, commissioned 1990, taken over by Croatia.

Links

bokanews.me
on vijesti.me/
cdm.me/
wapi.gov.me/

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