Define "medium range AD". Remember Standard SM1MR (formerly medium range), Sea Sparrow (formerly point defence) and compare to ESSM (presently point defence): ESSM has a range close to that of SM1MR.
More than likely the MILGEM Ada with AShW, ASW and PDMS or CIWS. It isn't ideal, but ultimately, it was probably the most affordable and accessible (in terms of timing) ship available to the PN from Turkey. The Type 21s should have been retired yesterday, I suspect the PN has basically been looking for a vessel to meet the minimum fleet needs. If it's of any consolation, the MILGEM Ada is still the core of the LF-2400 and I-Class - this brings the PN closer to either of those, even though it hasn't reached them, yet...
I am also hoping for the same we need a powerful Frigate to carry out same role for us which USA just did with Syrian Air Base other wise I don't see much use of these Corvettes.
I respectfully differ. If this is the case, there were better options available. MILGEM do not offers ANYTHING over the other options. That is what i have been saying since the news about interest first surfaced YEARS ago. They just add numbers, coastal defense ships at best with no adequate self-defense mechanism. Frankly speaking, i would take two Type 54 frigates over 4 Milgem boats ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. They will give us the much needed, the DESPERATELY needed air-defense umbrella. Without that, the surface fleets are not going to survive for too long. Ada class do not address the most dire need of our surface fleet.
Milgem WITH Ram is not much different either. Considering that the Blk-I gives 8-10 Km air defense range.
We can say two Type 054s are better than 4 MILGEM Adas, but is it really? IIRC the PN basically sends ships on rotation between those at sea and those docked for maintenance and resupply. In other words, two Type 054s would mean having just one frigate at sea; yes, it might have AAW, but it'd also be the only ASW and AShW asset too. This is opposed to two or three MILGEM Adas providing more coverage in the latter two.
Sir when i say that i will prefer two Type 54 over 4 Milgem with no air defense, i am keeping in mind the PN fleet. We have four F22p frigates. Two frigates along with one Type 54 will make a decent patrol formation with good air defense cover. We can have two similar patrol formations. Also we can gradually add more ships of Milgem class to increase the number of patrol formations OR to increase the number of ships in that patrol formation. However at current point of time, it is good air defense cover that our surface fleet lack and that is what MILGEMS fail to provide. That is why i say that i will prefer Type 54 as they will add and bring a capability that we lack while MIGEM does not. Otherwise, i understand that it is great to diversify and also the fact that Turkey have a bright naval future. That is why i say that it will make sense if our ships are equipped with a half decent SAM AND if this order is followed up with bigger and better ships from that "bright future"
