Valour-class (MEKO A-200)

The Valour class, officially designated MEKO A-200SAN, is a series of four guided-missile frigates operated by the South African Navy. Developed under Project Sitron as part of the 1999 Strategic Defence Package, the class was designed to replace the navy's aging President-class and 'W'-class vessels. The contract was awarded to the European South African Corvette Consortium, with construction taking place at the Blohm+Voss shipyards in Hamburg and Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel. The vessels were laid down between 2001 and 2002 and entered service between 2006 and 2007.

The design is an evolution of the MEKO 200 series, incorporating stealth characteristics such as an "X-form" structure to reduce radar cross-section and a system to expel pre-cooled exhaust gases near the waterline to lower infrared signatures. For survivability, the steel hull includes double bulkheads, box girders, and independent zones for fire fighting and electrical systems. Propulsion utilizes a CODAG-WARP configuration, which combines diesel engines with a gas turbine and a waterjet. This arrangement supports various operating modes, including fuel-efficient cruising and high-speed maneuvers. The combat suite, primarily developed by South African firms, includes the Umkhonto vertical launch surface-to-air missile system, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and various naval guns. Aviation facilities consist of a hangar and flight deck capable of supporting rotorcraft such as the Super Lynx 300, Atlas Oryx, or Denel Rooivalk.

The four vessels—SAS Amatola, SAS Isandlwana, SAS Spioenkop, and SAS Mendi—are named for events or locations associated with bravery in South African history. Operational roles include maritime patrol, fishery protection, and anti-piracy missions. Under Operation Copper, the class has maintained a rotation in the Mozambique Channel to secure shipping lanes. The frigates also provided air and sea security for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Serviceability has been impacted by funding constraints and delays in scheduled refits. In 2023, the South African Navy reported that SAS Mendi was the only vessel of the class effectively operational. A planned 2024 deployment of SAS Amatola to Russia was cancelled following the discovery of defects.