The South African Navy may soon get the green light to buy a fifth patrol corvette, or frigate, after the government's go-ahead for fresh negotiations. Highly placed navy and defence industry sources have revealed that the cabinet has agreed to open negotiations for a fifth ship in the Valour Class MEKO A-200 series, four of which have already been delivered to the country. The ship could cost about R2,5-billion, compared to the R1,5-billion price tags of the first four, due to the recent weakening of the rand and other escalations, including that closed production lines would have to be re-opened. The German-built ships are globally recognized as among the most modern in their class.