Fulgistani Frigate Order Completion

[Pallamara]

Royal Schelde celegrates Completion of Fulgistani Frigate Order!

 

Den Helder, July 20th, 2018

Today, celebrations took place as the final Recurve Class Frigate of the Fulgistani order reached its completed state, with her new crew, taking possession of the vessel.  Specifically designed for ASW operations, the joins two identical vessels of the type, and 6 more General Purpose frigates of similar design built for the Workers Republic of Fulgistani.  Called the Recurve Class, the Fulgistani order are a variation of the Bellona Klasse used by Pallamara's own Rijkzeemacht, though with a very different sensor and armament fit, tailored for the for the specific needs and capabilities of that nation.  

"The general class is highly modular, and able to accept a wide array of different sensor, armament, and other fittings.  For example, the ASW variant of that the SWR Ganbataar represents carries fewer missiles, shorter VLS cells, and a sensor suite more suited to self defense, than localized area defense, but in return, it boasts a larger sonar array, more elaborate ASW computers and software, extended hangar facilities, and more range, than the standard, General Purpose models, all of which are intended to be more useful for the intended mission.  When hunting submarines, most of the battle is detection, and these ships are designed to do exactly that, detecting the enemy, and sending helos to drop a load of homing torpedoes right over top of them before they realize what has happened.  Of course, veteran ASW crews know that's an ideal scenario, and sometimes, the first warning one has is a salvo of Torpedoes or Klub missiles incoming, and even in those scenarios, the class has the sensors, armamament, and countermeasures to ensure survival even in a surprise situation," Michael Voorman, Director of Shipyard Operations at Royal Schelde went on record as saying.

 
As for the Fulgistani crews, they seemed to be delighted with their new vessels.  Prior to taking possession of the new frigates, the sailors made the transition from modified "Broadhead Class" frigates, which were former Rijkzeemacht Astarte Klasse that had been transferred to the Fulgistan after being refitted with much the same sensors as the new order navy to act as training vessels, and build up numbers for the Fulgistani fleet.  When asked, about what they thought of the new ships, the younger crew were very happy.  Compared to our old vessels, these are very modern--we almost feel like we've signed up for a luxury cruise in comparison," one crewman opined.  "Well, these Pallamarans, these....monarchists, they are the class enemy, of course--but they build good ship!" the new vessel's political officer ventured, upon inspecting the newest addition.  

"What Konginklijke Schelde has demonstrated with these vessels is we can build even large orders, 12 frigates in this instance, to order and complete them on time and within budget.  We aren't happy until our customer is, and so far, they've given every indication of being delighted with these frigates, and we're hoping to garner other international orders besides these.  We want to become the world's premier exporter of naval designs, and we feel that they yard is on the way to doing exactly with that, one order at a time.  We reinvested some of the profits we've made from this venture to expand our production facilities and so as to be able to handle even larger, more demanding orders in the future.  Royal Schelde can build anything from OPVs and auxiliary vessels all the way up to aircraft carriers, and we're looking forward to showing the world exactly what we can do!" This was a statement from Damien Van der Roose, Royal Schelde's CEO.  

From other interviews, it became clear that the yard's involvement with the frigates was far from over with the completion of the last vessel.  There are also servicing and maintenaince contracts for the more complex components of the ships, such as the multifunction, AESA radars they for tracking and engaging aerial targets, that the Worker's Republic at this point lacks the capability of producing domestically.  The end result is more Pallamaran jobs, which most here believe to be a good thing, despite whatever uses the ships might be put to in service with their new masters.  
All of this came about during a 2012 visit of state between the Grand Duke Valentinian and the new, reformist leader of the Fulgistani Worker's Republic, Tormar Almas.  The pair discussed a number of trade and military related issues, which resulted in large orders of textiles and steel from Fulgistan, and naval vessels from Pallamara, including the transfer of 12 frigates from the Rijkzeemacht to form the core of the modernized surface fleet.  

Since then, relations between the two nations have grown, and Grand Duke Valentianian III, has indicated that he hopes further economic ties between the two states can be forged.  When asked about military between the two nations, however, he was quick to point out, "Right now, Pallamara has no enemies, nor connections with the existing power blocs, and that gives us freedom to seek out new opportunities unhindered by such structures.  Our ancestors were explorers and traders, always seeking out new markets around the globe, and our present foreign policy can gainfully be centered around emulating that entrepreneurial spirit."