Keel laid for first Indonesian naval frigate
The Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) programme to supply two SIGMA Frigates to the Indonesian Navy has achieved a new milestone with a keel-laying ceremony for the first vessel taking place at the PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia, on 16 April.
The company said that the construction of the four modules being built at PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard Surabaya, and the two modules being built in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, are proceeding according to schedule. All modules will be assembled at the PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard, ahead of Harbour Acceptance Tests and Sea Acceptance Trials.
DSNS signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence for the first SIGMA 10514 PKR Frigate in December 2012. The contract for the second SIGMA 10514 PKR frigate was signed on 14 February 2013, with construction for this vessel scheduled to begin in approximately three months.
The frigates are being acquired as part of plans to modernise the Indonesian Navy. The vessels will provide a range of capabilities for deployment in naval warfare, maritime security and humanitarian support roles.
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