DSA 2024 - Nice Looking Meko 100 at LUNAS
Like many others at DSA'24, the LUNAS booth was busy as well. Was hoping to look for info on the LCS project, but no one is willing to entertain this unknown channel (well, a lady did try, sadly she can't differentiate between the LCS and NGPV).
The LCS model ship was placed next to their redesigned proposed NGPV Batch 2 for the Navy. Not a new feature as it was showcased at the DSA'22. The superstructure looks smaller, at least to me. Some noticeable changes are the exterior of the bridge design, two smokestacks, a smaller calibre main gun and the Y gun, and no allocated B spot for RIM and SSM. A medium-weight lift helo (assumed to be an EC725) is seen on the heli deck while another is inside the hangar. What does that entail?
The redesign was said to have been carried out to fit the Navy's operational requirements and budget. As per the Navy's 15 to 5 Transformation Plan, 18 of the NGPV will be in their stable. The question is, how will this lightly armed OPV have a future with the Navy Realigned plan?