The first of four patrol corvettes acquired for the SA Navy as part of the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal arrive in Simon's Town tomorrow.

Navy spokesman Jaco Theunissen said the SAS Amatola, named after the famed battle between the Xhosa and British in 1852, was designed for long service as corvettes "are the workhorses of any navy".

Corvettes are capable of countering aircraft, submarines and surface vessels and can conduct sustained operations in sea conditions prevalent along South Africa's coast.

Tasks will include protection of marine resources, law enforcement, evacuation of civilians from coastal areas in times of crisis, fire support for land forces and participation in military diplomacy and peacekeeping missions.  

The ship has a top speed of 26 knots and cruising range of 7 000 nautical miles. It is equipped with modern combat equipment, including 76mm and 35mm guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, surveillance and target acquisition radar, sonar, electronic warfare systems and communications systems.

The last of the four corvettes will be delivered in mid-2005.

With acknowledgements to the staff writer and the Cape Times.