Editing Valour-class frigate (section)

== Weapons, countermeasures, capabilities and sensors ==
The four Valour-class frigates are armed with surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, a range of multi-purpose weaponry, and can operate helicopters that significantly improve and extend operational ability. The class have been hailed as the most powerful surface units in sub-Saharan Africa, and have restored South African naval pre-eminence.<ref name=":2" />

The majority of the combat suite has largely been designed and built by South African companies. The "SA Corvette Group" includes [[Altech Defence Systems]], [[Kentron (company)|Kentron]], LIW Division of Denel, [[Futuristic Business Solutions]], [[Saab Avitronics]], [[Grintek Electronics]], [[Reutech Radar Systems|Reutech]] and [[African Defence Systems]] (a joint venture between Altech and [[Thales Group|Thales]])<ref name=":0" />

=== Naval guns ===
The ships are equipped with one [[OTO Melara 76 mm|OTO Melara 76 mm/62 compact Naval Gun]]. Depending on type of ammunition in use, a range of between {{convert|8|-|40|km}} with a rate of fire of 85 rounds per minute. For air targets, effective range is reduced to {{cvt|4|km}}.

They also mount one [[Denel 35mm Dual Purpose Gun]] ([[Close-in weapon system|CIWS]]). The weapon's primary role of providing vessel point defence against aerial hostiles and missiles, with a secondary purpose of engaging surface and shore targets. With a range of ammunition, effective firing range for air targets is 4&nbsp;km, with maximum firing range for surface vessels at {{cvt|6|km}}. High speed missiles can be intercepted at a {{cvt|1.5|km}} range.

Two [[Oerlikon 20 mm cannon|Mk1 Oerlikon 20 mm cannon]] are also fitted. They have a maximum engagement range of 6&nbsp;km, with an effective range of {{cvt|2|km}}. A sustained rate of fire of 900–1,000 rounds per minute.

Two [[Reutech Rogue|12.7 mm Reutech Rogue machine guns]] are mounted with rate of fire over 1,000 rounds per minute, with an effective range of {{cvt|1.8|km}} and a maximum firing distance of {{cvt|7.4|km}}.
[[File:Umkhonto 4.jpg|thumb|An Umkhonto missile being fired from a Valour-class frigate]]

=== Anti-air warfare ===
The ships have a 16-cell [[vertical launching system]], holding up to 16 [[Denel Dynamics]] [[Umkhonto (missile)|Umkhonto-IR Block 2]] [[Surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] missiles, with a range of up to {{cvt|15|km}}. Th Umkhonto system can engage up to four targets simultaneously. The all-weather missiles can reach distances of up to 8&nbsp;km in 18 seconds and have countermeasure resistance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Umkhonto Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM), Denel Dynamics|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/umkhonto-surface-to-air-missile/|access-date=2021-10-14|website=www.naval-technology.com|language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Anti-surface warfare ===
The vessels are fitted with two 4-cell launchers for up to eight [[MBDA]] [[Exocet|MM40 Block 2 Exocet]] [[Surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]] missiles, with a range of {{cvt|72|km}}. Maximum speed of {{cvt|1,148|kph}}, with sea-skimming capabilities, preprogramed manoeuvres, active radar seeker and a high explosive fragmentation warhead.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Exocet|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/exocet/|access-date=2021-10-14|website=Missile Threat|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Anti-submarine warfare ===
The ships are fitted for but not with two {{cvt|324|mm|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s.

=== Countermeasures ===
The ships are equipped with Saab Grintek Avitronics SME 100/200 ESM (Intercept and Jammer) & [[Signals intelligence|ELINT]] and two Saab Grintek Avitronics MRL Super Barricade [[Chaff (countermeasure)|chaff launchers]] (96 decoys) for countermeasures.

=== Electronic systems and sensors ===
40% of each vessel's costs are related to the combat-management system installed on the Valour class, with 75% of the combat suite being developed in South Africa. [[File:US Navy 090407-N-8273J-270 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, left, is given a tour of the bridge of the South African Navy valour-class frigate SAS Mendi.jpg|thumb|Capt. Jimmy Schutte, commanding officer of SAS ''Mendi'', gives US Navy commanders a tour of the bridge the South African Navy Valour-class frigate]]
The frigates mount a Thales Naval France MRR-3D NG G-band multi-role surveillance radar which is a lightweight phased array antenna that operates as both a surveillance radar and a self-defence system sensor with automatic mode switching. The MRR-3D NG in surface mode can detect low and medium-level targets at ranges of up to {{cvt|140|km}}, and in long-range 3D air surveillance setting up to 140&nbsp;km. For self-defence, any threat within a radius of 60&nbsp;km can be detected and tracked.

Two Reutech RTS 6400 monopoles X band (I/J bands) combined radar and optronic trackers are also equipped that are a high performance, domestically designed and manufactured radar tracker with a 60&nbsp;km operational range. They also mount a Teutech Electro-optical Tracker, a Tellumat Integrated Naval Identification Friend or Foe System, M-Tek Target Designation Sights, a Thales UMS4132 Kingklip Sonar, and an MDS 3060 Obstacle Avoidance Sonar.

Also included is a computer-based "Naval Logistic Management System" that controls the on-board maintenance planning and execution by automatically generating weekly check-lists and repair schedules. [[Replenishment at sea]] can take place over the bow, over the stern, or amidships. Liquid and dry goods as well as passengers weighing up to {{convert|250|kg}} can be transferred this way. Vertical replenishment via helicopters can take place over the helideck and/or the foredeck.<ref name=":2" />

=== Aviation ===
The [[hangar]] and flight deck design enables a wide range of helicopter options to fit requirements such as:

Two [[Westland Lynx|Westland Super Lynx]] or

One [[Westland Lynx|Westland Super Lynx]] and two [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]] or

One [[Atlas Oryx]] or

One [[Denel Rooivalk]]