Almirante Brown-class

Summary

Description

The Almirante Brown class, a MEKO 360H2 type class of warships, was commissioned between 1983 and 1984, subsequent to the Falklands War, to serve the Argentine Navy. The series comprises four ships: Almirante Brown, La Argentina, Heroína, and Sarandí, labeled variably as frigates or destroyers by different sources. The fleet was planned as a six-ship order, but two were canceled and replaced by MEKO 140 type hulls due to a change in order. These vessels are renowned for their modular design, allowing for swift armament modification based on mission requirements and facilitating more straightforward upgrades or refits.

The construction of the vessels was postponed during the Falklands War because British turbines were embargoed. Helicopter acquisition encountered several hurdles; the original contract for Westland Lynx helicopters was called off, and the proposed Agusta-Bell AB 212 replacements were never funded. The class eventually settled on AS 555 Fennec helicopters for deployment, with La Argentina and Sarandí also capable of operating SH-3D Sea King helicopters. The Almirante Brown participated in operations during the Gulf War in 1990. Each of these ships is designed to serve as a flagship.

Specifically armed for naval combat, the Almirante Brown class is outfitted with Exocet MM-40 surface-to-surface missiles, Aspide surface-to-air missiles, an OTO Melara 5-inch naval gun, Bofors 40mm guns, and ILAS torpedo tubes. Additional defenses include the Graseby G1738 towed decoy and Breda SCLAR chaff rocket launchers. The electronics suite comprises various systems for electronic support and countermeasures, along with dedicated radars for air/surface search, surface search, navigational aid, and fire control. An Atlas Elektronik sonar system is also installed for sub-surface searches.

All four vessels in the class were constructed at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, with delivery spanning from 1983 to 1984. Almirante Brown was the first to enter service, while Sarandí was the last. Due to financial difficulties and import restrictions, the Argentine Navy has recently faced challenges maintaining these vessels and securing adequate spare parts and training. Concerns include engine problems and expired ordnance. Efforts to maintain and upgrade the combat systems, specifically the aging Exocet and Aspide missiles, were reported in 2020. The ships, part of the 2nd Destroyer Squadron based at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base, have undergone refits to extend their operational capabilities, including extending the flight decks on select ships for Sea King helicopter operations. Despite these updates, the sustainability of the class remains under scrutiny amidst ongoing operational and maintenance concerns.

Technical specifications