The keel laying was conducted for the first LPD (construction number W000306) while the first steel cut was performed for the second LPD (construction number W000307). To note, the steel-cutting ceremony for the first LPD was conducted in August 2023.
A number of officials from both nations, including the Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy, RADM Caesar Bernard N Valencia, and the Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia, Gina A. Jamoralin, attended the event.
…this is a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship, cooperation, and shared commitment to regional security and stability. (This cooperation) symbolise not only the construction of vessels, but also the strengthening of the bonds that unite our two archipelagic maritime nations…These vessels, born from the collaborative efforts of Indonesian and Philippine experts, will stand as a symbol of our shared commitment to maritime defence and cooperation.
-RADM Caesar Bernard N Valencia, Phillipine Navy Vice Commander
Philippine Navy’s LPD
Based on PT PAL’s recent publication, the two LPDs will have a length of 124 metres, a width of 21.8 meters, and a standard displacement of 7,200 tons. The maximum speed is 16 knots, while the maximum operating range is 9,360 nautical miles. Moreover, the LPDs are designed with an operational endurance of 30 days and a capacity to carry a maximum of 680 people.
The LPDs could carry three helicopters, two Landing Craft Utility (LCU), two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB), and two additional small boats. Both vessels will be able to carry out a wide range of military and non-military operations, including amphibious landing, naval gunfire support, mass evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.
The cooperation between the two countries is a reflection of how Indonesia contributes to maintaining the security of the ASEAN Region in dealing with geopolitical tensions so that it (ASEAN) becomes strong, stable, and mutually supportive.
-Kaharuddin Djenod, PT PAL CEO
The Philippine Navy already operates two Indonesian-made LPDs, BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), which were commissioned in 2016 and 2017, respectively. There are some modifications made to the two LPDs currently being built.
In recent years, Indonesia and the Philippines have announced their intention to enhance their defence partnership. During his visit to Manila on January 11, President Joko Widodo personally expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for using Indonesian-made defence products, including warships.
Multiple Major Projects for PT PAL
Besides the two LPDs for the Philippines, last year PT PAL secured a contract to build a 163-meter LPD for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy. The shipyard also currently working on two ‘Red White’ Frigates which are based on the Arrowhead 140 design.
Furthermore, PT PAL currently serves as the lead integrator and supervisor for other local shipyards involved in an ongoing project to refurbish 41 Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) warships. Reports said that 25 ships have already been refurbished, with the entire program set to conclude next November.
Additionally, on January 16, the General Manager of PT PAL’s Submarine Division, Cdre. Wiranto, announced the shipyard’s readiness to continue the submarine construction programme for the TNI AL which is set to operate at least 12 submarines.
Although he did not mention when the program would resume, as this would heavily depend on the Ministry of Defence’s decision, Cdre. Wiranto said that PT PAL is currently adjusting its plans to construct additional submarine facilities in line with the latest submarine-related technology development particularly Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB), and autonomous systems. This step was taken so that the shipyard could build modern submarines and, in the future, “become a leader in mastering submarine technology”.
Currently, TKMS’ Type 212/214 and Naval Group’s Scorpene Evolved are the main candidates for Indonesia’s future submarines where the latter was offered in a full local construction scheme (in PT PAL’s facility) which will enable one-third of the contract value to return to Indonesia through technology transfer, employment, and other offset agreements.
In December 2023, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff, Adm. Muhammad Ali, expressed his hope that the contract for new submarines would be signed this year. The admiral also mentioned that the navy has provided some suggestions to the Ministry of Defence on what kind of submarines it requires. Additionally, he stated that in general, European-made submarines are good.
