Indeed. I remember a few months ago the order they put in for the 2 Gowinds and there was talk about possibly a FREMM as well, but wiki has no info on any FREMM ordered by the UAE for some reason. The French model is very nice and I'm sure quite capable especially with all the available MICA missiles as well and the MICA NG etc. But those Beghaminis are just so sweet with their own incredible systems, especially the AESA radar that can switch to PESA instantaneously along with other system comms. That mast and just size and appearance is superb and I can see why the EN is using it a lot more than the French FREMM it seems. Not only that, but ordering quite a few more is only an indication they prefer the Italian one over the French one quite a bit more as well as there was talk that the French FREMM is considerably more extensive and costly to maintain. That seems a bit strange but it is what it is, I guess.
One of the neat things I've noticed about the EN is their superb navigation abilities and especially their speed at being able to quickly begin operating all these new and incredible ships they've bought on their own. How we heard nothing from outsiders except for negative criticism about the usual "logistical nightmare" stuff looool and now we've seen the EN's captains and crews commanding and cruising those ships with the utmost proficiency and mastery it's just impressive as heck and suggestive that not only did they take advantage of their training with the French and Italians, but they seem to have innate abilities to command such ships from the storied tradition of the Egyptian Navy. Their selection of crew and of course captains is very strict and we see the results. As a recreational boater, I know how difficult it is to dock a simple 30 footer lol and I see how these fellas in the EN bring these massive ships so close to the docks before letting the tugs finish the last push-ins is really something. And they don't even use any tugs with the Mistrals because of its propulsion system makes it easy to dock without any tug help which is just incredibly impressive.
That would be quite something. They'll have to reinforce the deck at the areas where they would be firing these missiles is my guess, just looking at that brutal rocket flaming and pressure from your picture that it would cause some serious damage to the current deck the way it's constituted. Just assuming that they might need to double-plate and harden that area to protect it. But it's a great idea by you. Add that offensive capability to the possible naval Pantsir CIWS that they seem to be currently contracting and those big ships should be ready to receive the Katrans and be fully operational!
Some new pics of the EAF Rafales refueling with the French A330 MRTTs from a few weeks ago.
@Lord Of Gondor , those EAF Rafales are so sweet-looking I bet you guys get the same feeling when you see the Indian ones, ey?
View attachment 775271
View attachment 775272
View attachment 775273
Interesting we occasionally see one or two empty backseater.
View attachment 775274