The AS3600 was unveiled by ASFAT for the first time in IDEF 2023. The model stands out with its extensive armament and sensors. It carries 32×2-cell vertical launch systems and 4×2 surface-to-surface missiles, which are expected to be increased to 4×4.
Speaking to Naval News, ASFAT officials stated that AS3600 is a conceptual design and there is no certain timeline for the project yet. “When we materialize it into something more concrete, we will see how the host navies will define it,” said Mr Sinan Topuz, an ex-Navy Captain, and Director of Strategy and Business Development of ASFAT Inc.
According to the company’s brochure, AS3600 has a high survivability feature for the agile and flexible response to operational requirements. The stealth design provides a low radar cross section (RCS), and the configuration can be modified in accordance with the required principle warfare.
The AS3600 will be 124 meters long, 14.42 meters wide and have a displacement of about 3680 tons. The propulsion configuration will be based on the CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas Turbines) principle, consisting of two diesel engines and a gas turbine unit, which will give the ship a speed of more than 26 knots.
The range of the AS3600 will be 4500 nautical miles with 18 knots, with a 30 days of endurance at sea. The frigate will also have CBRN protection system.
The weapon suite includes two VLS units both have 32 cells, two quadruple launchers for anti-ship missiles, a 76 mm forward gun, Gökdeniz CIWS, a RAM equivalent point defence missile system (probably Roketsan Levent), torpedo launchers, and two 25 mm RWSs.
AS3600 will be compatible with network-centric operations thanks to ADVENT combat management system developed by HAVELSAN. The sensors coupled to the CMS as follows;
- 3D search radar
- EO sensors including IRST
- Fire Control and Illumination radars
- Navigation and LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) radars
- EW suite (ESM&ECM)
- Torpedo Countermeasure system
- Decoy systems
- Laser Warning System
- Hull mounted sonar
