HMS Arrow (F173)

HMS "Arrow" (F173) was a Type 21 frigate of the Royal Navy. Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd, Glasgow, Scotland, she was completed with Exocet launchers in 'B' position.

"Arrow" participated in the Falklands War, where on 4 May 1982 she assisted in extinguishing the fires and evacuating the crew of the Type 42 destroyer "Sheffield", which had been struck by an Exocet missile. "Arrow" also helped extinguish the fires on the "Rothesay" class frigate "Plymouth", on 8 June 1982.

The silhouette of HMS "Arrow" is to be found, along with the date 1 May, painted on the side of Argentine Air Force Dassault Mirage 5/IAI Finger serial number C-412. Also painted on C-412 is the silhouette of HMS "Brilliant" and the date 21 May. These "kill markings" probably has to do with the damage both ships suffered in the Falklands War, HMS "Arrow" being slightly damaged by cannon fire 1 May 1982 and HMS "Brilliant" also being slightly damaged by cannon fire, this on 21 May 1982 outside San Carlos Water.The last time the Mirage 5 with said kill markings was spotted was during the November 2005 multi-national "Exercise Ceibo" in Argentina.

By the mid-1980s "Arrow" was suffering from cracking in her hull. She was taken in for refitting, with a steel plate being welded down each side of the ship. At the same time modifications were made to reduce hull noise.

"Arrow" decommissioned and was transferred to Pakistan on 1 March 1994, being renamed PNS "Kaibar". Exocet was not transferred to Pakistan and "Kaibar" had her obsolete Sea Cat missile launcher removed. A quadruple Harpoon missile launcher was fitted in place of the Exocet launchers and a Phalanx CIWS was fitted in place of the Sea Cat launcher. SRBOC chaff launchers and 20mm and 30mm guns were fitted.

"Kaibar" remains in service with the Pakistan Navy.

References

* AirForces Monthly Magazine February 2006, page 61.

External links

* [http://www.naval-history.net/F62brshipslost.htm/ British Ships lost and damaged 1st May - 12th June 1982]