Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has confirmed that the two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) on order for the Philippine Navy (PN) will each be fitted with one 76 mm gun on the foredeck as the main armament. Two stern-facing 25 mm guns will also be fitted, one each on the port and starboard sides.
Speaking to IHS Jane's on 14 August, PT PAL's SSV project manager Turitan Indaryo also gave an update on build progress for both ships. "The first vessel is 68.39% complete, while the second vessel is 42.37% complete," he said, adding that the ships are on schedule for delivery in May 2016 and May 2017 respectively.
However, PT PAL was not able to confirm the potential suppliers of the ships' weapons. "We are just preparing the foundations. The Philippine Navy will decide," said Turitan.
PT PAL was awarded a USD92 million contract in June 2014 to construct two landing platform dock (LPD)-like vessels to meet the PN's amphibious transport and logistics requirements. The contract includes a support package that will enable Philippine industry to undertake ship maintenance and support in collaboration with the PN.
The 123 m platforms are based on the Indonesian Navy's (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL's) Makassar-class LPDs, which were designed by South Korean shipbuilder Dae Sun.
According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , the PN's SSVs have a full load displacement of 11,583 tonnes. The vessels will have lift capacity for 500 troops, can embark three large helicopters, and can accommodate 126 crew. The ships have a top speed of 15 kt, a maximum range of 9,360 n miles, and an endurance of 30 days.
(Jane's)
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