Defence Department launches naval expansion programme
Government greenlights Defence Department naval expansion and modernisation programme.
Concept art for the Kazulian Navy's proposed Ingebretsen-class guided missile destroyer.
18th August, 4429.
On the background of the developing conflict in Dovani and mounting tensions in the international domain, the Defence Department disclosed to the general public of its plans to expand the Kazulian Navy and to transform the branch of the Armed Forces into a service worthy of respect. The Kazulian Navy, whilst modern and extremely capable in its own right had been cited as "hindered" mainly due to various defence decisions especially as it pertained to equipment procurement. With the Kazulian Armed Forces mandated to take frontal roles in the Northern Council Treaty Organisation as its principle power and guarantor, the need for a modern, capable and equipped navy is necessary to ensure the defence of Kazulia's interest throughout the world. Defence Minister Jesper Berthelsen announced before the Stortinget, an expansion and modernisation programme for the Kazulian Navy, outlining the strategic goals/aims of the programme. Coined the "Surface Combatant Programme", it involves the procurement/construction of more than twenty (20) surface combatant vessels within the space of thirty (30) to thirty-five (35) years.
A number of concept images have appeared online exhibiting two proposed ideas for a dedicated guided-missile destroyer for the navy. To be known as the Ingebretsen-class guided missile destroyer (named after former Prime Minister Rasmus Ingebretsen), the destroyer's proposed armaments and capabilities make it an extremely powerful and capable destroyer in its own right, rivalling some of the destroyers fielded by the other navies of the great powers. According to the Defence Minister, the destroyer's frame comes directly from the design employed on the Torgersen-class frigate. He added that around eighteen (18) had been ordered with an additional eighteen (18) in hold until negotiations between the Defence Department and Pennington-Reid have concluded. Upon introduction to the navy's fleet of combatant vessels, the Ingebretsen-class will take a principle role in the navy, being deployed to various regions of the world with the intention of acting as the navy's rapid reaction forces for instances threatening Kazulia's interests throughout the world. Satellite imagery has confirmed major activity at the Gna-Engelsen Shipyard. This could mean that this shipyard could be the primary location for the construction of the vessels underneath the programme. This is reinforced with the recent expansion of the shipyard at the hands of the government's Free Port Expansion project.
While smaller warships do not enjoy the limelight of their larger peers, they can teach the observer a great deal about a nation’s maritime defence posture and priorities. While the shipbuilding industry has centred its attention recently on constructing larger vessels including aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, they have also produced the majority of Kazulia's frigate fleet. Current the Torgersen-class frigates are the work horses of Kazulian naval apparatus. The smaller warships traditionally perform a number of different roles in naval warfare. Firstly, they serve as air defence. They are nimble and fast, heavily armed for their diminutive size, and are outfitted to be flexible enough to perform a multitude of different missions. The Torgersen-class frigate is a well balance and powerful naval surface combatant for its size, and carries an ample arsenal of anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and anti-submarine weapons. It is an ideal escort vessel with a range of over 8,000 nautical miles. It is a traditional multi-purpose frigate, possessing the inherent ability to attack other surface ships, engage aircraft, and track and destroy submarines. The Torgersen-class Frigate is a flexible, yet powerful surface warfare asset that possesses significant range and the ability to engage in a multitude of operations. Usually deployed alongside NC combatant vessels, the Torgersen-class remains one of the most technological superior warships in the world. It has been rumoured that in its drive to continue its presence throughout the international domain, Kazulia has ordered an additional 20 to be constructed between the years 4432 and 4460.
Without a doubt one of the segments of Kazulian defense strategy most shrouded in mystery are the attack submarines of the Kazulian Navy and the Surface Combatant Programme intends on extending that mystery. Known as the Flindar-class attack submarine, it remains one of the most modern diesel electric submarines in existence. Amid changes in the defence strategy of the government in Skalm, upgrades to the submarine are becoming increasingly necessary to ensure the vessel maintains its world class capabilities. As outlined by the SCP, the Flindar-class lacks modern combat systems and is in dire need for upgraded munitions. The Defence Department has contracted Viserby Systems to develop a new torpedo for the Kazulian Navy will specifications such as being able to track and classify targets being insisted upon by the Government.