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