Argentina Ramping up as we dumb down - 1982 all over again ?
Argentina set to sign deal for Chinese corvettes
Interesting about the focus on ASW,
Visiting Beijing between Feb. 3-5, President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina is set to sign an agreement with China to increase the military-to-military cooperation between two nations, according to the UK-based Jane's Defence Weekly.
Under the agreement, China North Industries Corporation will help Argentina produce a version of the VN1 wheeled armored personnel carrier, while China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation will help develop various types of naval ship.
China is understood to have introduced five of its P18 export corvettes to Argentina. A source from the Argentine government said the vessels are estimated to cost US$50 million each.
Known as the Malvinas-class after the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands, the five offshore patrol vessels each carry a 76 mm main gun, two 30 mm cannon, eight anti-ship missiles and two triple torpedo launchers. The 1,800-tonne ship can also carry a medium-sized helicopter. Argentina has requested a larger flight deck to handle its Sea King helicopters and towed sonar to increase the vessel's anti-submarine capability. Two of the corvettes will be built in China while the other three will be co-produced in Argentina. The P18s may be delivered started in 2017 according to Jane's.
If the agreement is signed as expected, it should be considered a major step in Argentina's efforts to revive its military power with help from China. The agreement may also help China open a new market to export its military aircraft.
Source: China Times.
Also interesting is the rapid delivery dates mentioned.