I believe the
Hamilton class cutters have been excellent stop-gap vessels for BN. 14000 mile range and 29 knot cruise with HELO storage, what's not to like? For deep sea EEZ patrol these are a God-send at the price they're being offered. Of course we need to replace the main gun, the Phalanx CIWS and equip this with C704's or C705's. But that's a given with the old fitted BN non-standard armament anyhow.
The reason why these are being replaced by Legend class cutters in the US is that compared to newer ships they require more frequent maintenance, frequent and longer dock time and have reduced operational capability because of downtime.
But given that BN has multiple shipyards and can avail of shipyards like Ananda and Western Marine (and scores of other drydocks at BN's homeport in CTG) maintenance is easily done at probably the lowest cost in the world (probably one third that of even India, which is the lowest in the world). So - excellent purchase. We should look for other WHEC vessels as they become available.
Here's the rush in sea state 4 or 5...
The lengthening of the 056's are in a way comparable in a 'mini' way to how the new Arleigh Burke Flight II class (DDG 79+ vs. DDG 51) was lengthened for HELO storage. This is why (and its not rocket science how they did this),
"The ARLEIGH BURKE class Flight IIA (DDG 79+) feature a hull lengthened five feet over that of the DDG 51 class. The weight and metacentric height are reduced through using lighter superstructure scantlings. Lower hull plating thickness is increased over 3/4 the hull length amidships. Propellers have improved section to reduce onset of cavitation. The stern wedge (which improves fuel efficiency at cruising speeds) is extended out past the transom."
I wonder if the SIGMA class of Indonesia (which 'inspired' the 056 class anyway) have similar HELO storage and have similar reinforcements underneath.
DDG-51 Arleigh Burke - Flight IIA