Editing Valour-class frigate (section)

== Upgrades and future technologies ==
In 2016 it was announced that the Valour class would benefit from a mid-life upgrade over the next decade that would extend service life beyond 2035, with improvement to both capability and capacity. However, as of 2021 the mid-life programme is still reportedly in the concept and feasibility study phase, with further progress on hold due to lack of adequate funding.  Of four frigates in the class, only ''Amatola'' had undergone a partial refit in 2014–15. Plans for refitting three of the four remaining frigates were to be finalised based on the availability of funding to enable phased refits. The navy planned to prioritize essential maintenance and repair of the frigates ''Spioenkop'' and ''Mendi'' in the interim. In August 2021 the Department of Defence reported to Parliament that the average cost estimate for a frigate refit was R687 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/refit-of-sa-navy-frigates-and-submarines-stalled-by-lack-of-funding/ |title=Refit of SA Navy frigates and submarines stalled by lack of funding |work=DefenceWeb.co.za |last=Martin |first=Guy |date=20 August 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021 }}</ref> Were funding to be made available, envisaged possible upgrades included:

* The main naval gun, the [[OTO Melara 76 mm|OTO Melara 76 mm/62 compact]], will be upgraded to enhance both fire-support and self-defence capabilities. The current calibre has long been known to be an interim cost-saving measure, with senior naval officials well aware that the gun is far too small to support operations. Improvement could range from the more affordable: upgrading the 76&nbsp;mm/62 from Compact to Super Rapid, with the rate of fire increasing from 85 rounds per minute to 120, to the more costly: replacement with the [[Otobreda 127/64|127 mm/64 Lightweight Naval Gun]]. Depending on the type of ammunition in use, range could increase from {{cvt|40|to|120|km}} compared to the 76&nbsp;mm/62. Although a slower rate of fire at 32 rounder per minute, the 127mm/62 would offer far greater hitting power. The naval gun is already in service with four navies, with another three as future operators, including Spain, the Netherlands and Canada. The Algerian [[MEKO 200#El Radii class (MEKO A-200AN)|''El Radii''-class]] frigate is equipped with the 127&nbsp;mm/64, and is in essence a sister class to the Valour as the ''El Radii'' are also based on the MEKO A-200 design.
* Land attack missiles: the class deliberately lacks a land-attack [[cruise missile]] capability for political reasons: such weapons are seen by some as “too aggressive” and out of keeping with the Valour-class's “defensive posture”. However, like its peers the South African Navy recognises the growing importance of fighting in the littoral battlespace and supporting land forces during operations. As a result, a land attack missile capability is likely to be investigated as funds become available and sensitivities are assuaged.
* Current stock of [[Exocet|Exocet MM40 Block 2]] antiship missiles {{cvt|72|km}} range, will be upgraded to Block 3 standard of {{cvt|180|km}} range.
* The Denel [[Umkhonto (missile)|Umkhonto surface-to-air missile]] will be upgraded to maintain superiority over evolving threats. Current stocks are of the short range point-defence Umkhonto-IR missile with an operational radius of {{cvt|15|km}}. It has not yet been announced whether the South African Navy wish to purchase the improved medium range, area defence, infrared homing (Umkhonto ER-IR) with a radius of {{cvt|30|km}}, or the highly capable beyond visual range Umkhonto-R with a radius of over {{cvt|60|km}}, which is still in development alongside the Brazilian Navy. Alternatively, enhancements have been made to the current IR Block 2 missile, with ranges extended from 15&nbsp;km to over {{cvt|20|km}}. This could therefore be the most affordable option.
* The Thales MRR G-band air/surface search radar and the majority of the electronic warfare suite, such as the Grintek EWASION system and the Saab Avitronics radar support system will be replaced. 
* The existing combat management system, including the Electro-optical tracker will be replaced, or upgraded by a new system. 
* New rigid hull inflatable boats ([[Rigid inflatable boat|RHIBs]]) with improved communication systems will be carried.
* Embarked [[Westland Lynx|Super Lynx]] maritime helicopters will have enhanced self-protection systems.
* After operational experience in the [[Mozambique Channel]] on anti-piracy duty, the class will be fitted with [[Manoeuvring thruster|bow thrusters]] to improve manoeuvrability when working in confined and austere ports in the region.  
* [[Autonomous underwater vehicle]]s (AUV): It is anticipated each of the frigates and the multi-purpose hull vessels will carry an AUV for minehunting purposes, obviating the need for specialist vessels.
* [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAV): The Navy is following the ongoing development of rotor-propelled UAVs and plan to purchase some, to a scale of two per ship, when the technology matures.
* Indications suggest that the class will be equipped with close-in detection systems in order to face new threats that have emerged in the littoral environment. IED technology has spread to the African region and reports of missile attacks by non-state actors have increased in recent years.