Article Posted on : - Apr 18, 2014

The SIGMA-class corvette. A DSNS photo

JAKARTA (BNS): Indonesian shipyard PT PAL has laid the keel for the first of two SIGMA 10514 PKR class guided missile frigates it is building for the country's Navy in partnership with Dutch shipbuilder Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS).

The keel laying ceremony was held at PT PAL's Surabaya facility in Indonesia on April 16.

The construction of the 4 modules for the warship that are going to be built at PT PAL and the two modules that are being built at Vlissingen, Netherlands, are proceeding according to schedule, DSNS said.

All the modules will be assembled at the PT PAL under the supervision of DSNS followed by harbour acceptance tests and sea acceptance trials.

The first ship is expected to be completed in December 2016.

Meanwhile, work on the second frigate is processing as per schedule and construction is expected to start within 3 months, the Dutch shipbuilder said.

Indonesia has ordered the two warships under a deal worth US$220 million.

The frigates are being procured for naval warfare and maritime security roles as also for humanitarian missions.

The 105m-long, 14m-wide new SIGMA PKR 10514 frigate has a displacement of 2400t. It features extensive air, surface and sub-surface surveillance capabilities.

The combat suit of the frigate includes guided missiles and guns for anti-air and anti-surface warfare missions and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare operations.

The craft is also able to carry an organic helicopter, according to DSNS, which has also delivered four SIGMA class corvettes to Indonesia previously.