Navy ships being built

The two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) the Philippines ordered from Indonesia will be delivered in May 2016 and May 2017.

IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly reported on Friday that Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL had determined the right weapons fit for the SSVs as the 76-mm as the main weapon and two stern-facing 25-mm guns, one each on the port and starboard sides. The company said the Philippine Navy may order up to four SSVs “to meet strategic requirements.”

PT PAL was awarded a $92-million contract in June 2014 for the two ships.

Jane’s quoted PT PAL’s SSV project manager Turitan Indaryo as saying the first vessel was 68.39-percent complete, while the other was 42.37-percent complete.

Indaryo said the 11,583-ton SSVs will have a “lift capacity of 500 troops, embark three large helicopters and accommodate 126 crew.” Cynthia D. Balana