Australia gifts two heavy landing craft to Philippines
AUSTRALIA will donate two Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy (LCH) vessels to the Philippines, according to an announcement given by Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews on 29 January 2015.
The two craft are HMAS Tarakan and Brunei, which were decommissioned by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) along with another vessel on 19 November 2014.
The LCHs are slated to be handed over in May after undergoing refurbishment with new safety and navigation equipment. They will be delivered with a package of spare parts.
These assets will be a welcome addition to the underequipped Philippine Navy. Once commissioned, they can be
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution]()
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution
The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
