Article Posted on : - Mar 19, 2014

Colombian Navy Almirante Padilla class frigate. A Thales photo

TOULON, FRANCE (BNS): The modernisation programme of the Colombian Navy's four Almirante Padilla class frigates has been completed with a successful Sea Acceptance Test of the class's fourth ship.

As part of the modernisation programme, Thales and local shipyard, Cotecmar, have installed and integrated the SMART-S Mk2 surveillance radar, STING EO Mk2 electro-optic weapon control system, MIRADOR optronic weapon control system, VIGILE 200S electronic support measures (ESM) system, communications systems and Terma's SKWS decoys launching system, on the four Padilla class ships.

Thales has also modernised the vessels' Altesse communications intelligence (COMINT) systems.

French naval shipbuilder DCNS was the prime contractor and Thales, the lead systems integrator for the combat system and communications suite.

The contract with the Colombian authorities was signed early in 2009.