First new landing platform dock for Philippines starts construction

 

PT PAL Indonesia and Philippine Navy officials during Steel Cutting Ceremony last 10 August 2023. Photo c/o PT PAL.

Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia held the First Steel Cutting Ceremony for the first of two new 123-meter Landing Platform Docks it is constructing for the Philippine Navy.

The ceremony was held on 10 August 2023 at PT PAL’s shipbuilding facility in Surabaya, with Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci and PT PAL Indonesia CEO Mr. Kaharuddin Djenod witnessing the event together with other senior officials from PT PAL Indonesia, Philippine Navy and the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

The ship is expected to be laid up by early 2024, while the second ship of the class is also expected to have its First Steel Cutting ceremony by early 2024.

Two ships have been ordered by the Philippine Navy in a Php5.56 billion (US$102 million) contract signed in June 2022  based on PT PAL’s 123-meter Improved  Strategic Sealift Vessel design, which in turn was derived from the revised Makassar-class LPD design.

The ship is expected to displace at around 7,200 tons full load, is powered by 2 diesel engines allowing a maximum speed of at least 16 knots and a maximum range of 9,360 nautical miles at 13 knots cruising speed.

The ship has space for 500 fully-equipped troops, and could accommodate up to 8 AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles and other light armored vehicles and trucks. It also has a helicopter landing deck for 2 10-ton class helicopters and VTOL unmanned aerial vehicles, and a hangar for one helicopter.

The ships will be initially armed with 6 to 8 manually-operated 12.7mm heavy machine guns but are fitted for future installation of a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid naval gun, two Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary guns, and a close-in weapon station either using the Rheinmetall Millenium Gun or Aslesan GOKDENIZ.

it also has facilities to support smaller missile-equipped interdiction boats in a mothership role.

[1] PT PAL Indonesia

[2] Naval News

[3] Philippine Defense Resource