Equipped with OSI Maritime Systems integrated navigation and tactical systems, the lead vessel of the South African Navy’s three-ship class of IPV’s recently concluded the First Article Acceptance Test, a landmark stage in the programme’s development.
Being built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town in South Africa, the multi-mission IPVs (MMIPV) will be used for coastal security activities such as maritime patrol and securing the country’s EEZ.
‘I’d sum up the MMIPV as a patrol vessel with big capacity,’ stated Jim Davison, VP, business development at OSI. ‘It was a very interesting project for OSI, as we applied solutions to this compact vessel that are typically found on bigger or combat ready ships.’
For the South African progamme, dubbed Project Biro, OSI fitted the IPV with a navigation and tactical suite that included the company’s Tactical Asset Control and Tracking and Integrated Mission Management System.
In addition, the company’s warship electronic chart and display system, certified to NATO STANAG 4564, is integrated into critical sensor inputs including X-band and S-band radars, INS and GPS module, among others.
According to Defence Insight data Project Biro will see each IPV delivered at an estimated cost of £33.6 million.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
Connect with us on socials
