The South African Navy’s 2030 blueprint seeks a fleet of 22 warships and submarines, Chief Director Maritime Strategy, rear admiral Bernhard Teuteberg has announced.

Teuteberg presented the figure in a briefing to the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans.

According to the 2030 blueprint, the South African Navy will add three offshore patrol vessels, six inshore patrol vessels (IPV), two combat support vessels, and three strategic sealift and sustainment vessels.

The list also includes a new hydrographic survey vessel as well as a mobile hydrographic survey team.

The six IPV vessels will likely carry four Project Mapantsula mine countermeasure systems.

The navy currently operates three submarines and four frigates.