Lacoste class

Specifications:

Class: Lacoste
Type Corvette
Year of introduction: 2014
Length: 82 meters
Crew: 55

Speed: 35 knots

Armament:
1x OTO Melara 76mm gun
1x Goalkeeper CIWS
12-Cell VLS for mix of 6x RIM-162 ESSM(SAM) and 6x RUM-139 VL-ASROC (for anti submarine warfare)
8x Harpoon launchers (for 8 Harpoon anti-ship missiles)
4x dual 533mm torpedo tubes (for Mark 54 MAKO lightweight torpedoes)
2x M2 Browning - manned machine guns

Aircraft: It can carry small to mid sized helicopter (if needed)

History:

Argentina start with  modernization of its navy early during first decade of 21th century, however there were constant problems and delays due budget restrains. By the end of 2008, Argentina finally starts the 2012-2022 modernization plan. Plan which includes full upgrade of its existing surface ships like Almirante Brown destroyers, Espora and Drummond class corvettes. All four destroyers were to be bring on advanced level by the 2017, while corvettes were all to be modernized by the 2020. However some ships like Espora, Rosales and Spiro were chosen to be decommissioned. All three ships were to be upgraded and sold to Urugvay which agree to purchase all three of them. But new plan 2012-2022 plan also covers new ships. At the time Argentina was unable to purchase new destroyer class or increase the number of them, but smaller 80-90m ship was alternative option. Several nations and coorporations offer their ships but Argentina chose Bengalorian C10 class corvette. The C10 corvette which was considered offshot of the Ganges class was chosen. Ship despite featuring some equipment and weaponary of Ganges was not and export variant, it was designed by private company which work with Bengalorian ministry of defense. As cheap export ship for countries that have smaller budget.

However despite not been variant of Ganges, but brand new ship it have versability of the Ganges and like Ganges it was modular. C10 class corvette as mention was created as alternative export corvette to Ganges and its export variants, however another reason of this ship existance was failed bid for Egyptian corvettes. Ship was firstly designed for Egypt but after bid failed it was renamed to C10 and offered for sale. Argentina become first and only user at the moment. Argentina orders four ships initially but later increase the number of ships to eight. This ships were to completley replace Espora by the 2025.

C10 now called Lacoste class is designed for multipurpose duties from combat engagement, SAR duties, escorts... Due been small and compact but well armed, it was excellent for Argentina which struggles to improve and enlarge its navy. As mentioned remaining three Espora class corvettes were to be retired by 2025, Drummonds which were currently under refit were expected to remain in service by 2030, although they may be retired and sold before that.
With exception of first ship all others were build or to be built in Argentinian shipyards.

Ships in service:

P-47 ARA Almirante Lacoste - commissioned in 2014
P-48 ARA Almirante Irizar - commissioned in 2015
P-49 ARA Almirante Lombardo - commissioned in 2015
P-50 ARA Almirante Rojas - commissioned in 2019
P-51 ARA Almirante Teisaire - on sea trials, expected commission in 2021
P-52 ARA Almirante Massera - on sea trials, expected commission in 2021
P-53 ARA Almirante Manaya - under construction, expected commission in 2025
P-54 ARA Almirante Guzzetti - under construction, expected commission 2025