The Santino Class of multi-role guided missile frigates currently in service with the Pearlian Navy, are a modified variant of the Monarchii Royal Navy's Project KFI-M.1 class frigates. The ships, which were built by Blue Horizon Ltd, are specifically accommodated to fit the requirements of the Pearlian Navy. The introduction of the frigates improved the capabilities of the Pearlian Navy's Offshore Combat Force, which mostly composed of ships that were retired from other countries and subsequently transferred to the Pearlian Republic.

Class overview:
Name: Santino class
Builders: Blue Horizon Ltd
Operators: Pearlian Navy
Succeeded by: Villegas-class guided missile frigates
Cost: $150M per ship
Built: 2023 – 2024
In commission: 2024 – present
Planned: 2
Active: 2

Propulsion:
CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas)
1 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbine
2 x MTU 12V 956 TB82 diesel engines
2 shafts, 2 propellers

Armament:
1 x Otomell Automatic 100mm Multipurpose Cannon
2 x Anti Submarine Rocket. (Model unspecified. FFBNW)
1 x AK-630ID CIWS (unusable. To be replaced by another CIWS)
8 x Anti-ship Missiles (SSM) in tube launchers (2x4) (Model unspecified. FFBNW)
32-cell VLS for RIM-174 ERAM/SM-6
1 x Hull Mounted Sonar(FFBNW)

Controversies

Issues arose over the decision made without approval by the Pearlian Navy to use the Alternative Configuration in the selection of systems to be installed. Of particular concern were the radar and combat management system which were downgraded versions of the systems originally proposed. It was later revealed that the Contract was later changed to allow the Special Assistant to the President Sec. Tanag, to have the final say over what equipment was installed on the vessels.

Sec. Tanag issued a blanket denial when reached for comment, saying he never intervened in the project despite a copy/photo of the white paper being leaked online. He said he did not give Sec. Ringavilla any white paper related to the project nor asked Commodore Hilvaño to brief him on the CMS selection.

The commander of the Pearlian Navy, Vice Adm. Javellana was removed from his position for "insubordination" after Defense Sec. Ringavilla declared that he jeopardized the acquisition project.

Further plans

The Pearlian Navy Technical Working Team proposed plans to replace the unused AK-630ID with either a Dardo 40mm or Phalanx. Along with the addition of anti submarine rockets and anti ship missiles, though the model is still unspecified.