Damen completes combat systems installation and trials on second Indonesian guided Missile frigate
Damen Shipyards Group and its partner PT PAL recently completed installation and testing of combat systems on the second of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence's SIGMA 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) guided missile frigates, the KRI Gusti Ngurah Rai (332).
The PKR frigates are constructed through a modular process operating simultaneously at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in the Netherlands and the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia. This method allows Damen to build high-quality vessels anywhere in the world and fulfill its commitment to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to deliver an extensive knowledge and transfer of technology (ToT) programme.
A significant part of this transfer programme is the installation of combat systems along with provision of training to the crew in their usage and maintenance.
Hein van Ameijden, managing director of DSNS, said, "From the outset of this project DSNS and our partner Thales Netherlands have been fully committed to the development of the Indonesian defence industry and its supporting sectors. This commitment is demonstrated with a series of ToT and local content programmes starting in 2013 when project execution commenced."
"For example, DSNS has trained and educated more than 328 yard personnel, including welders, planners, and engineers, during the project. Thales Netherlands has contributed by subcontracting local industry for software development, providing support, ultimately, for Indonesia to develop an indigenous combat management system."
The combat systems installed and tested include:
VL MICA for defence from airborne threats
Exocet for defence from offensive targets at greater distance
Torpedo system for protection against submarine threats
35mm rapid-fire cannon to respond to threats from both air and sea
Electronic detection system to divert enemy attacks with electromagnetic redirection
Modification of the computer-operated operational system in order to operate the above
The final phase prior to handover was successfully completed on February 21 with sea-going trials, known as the sea acceptance test (SAT). The purpose was to demonstrate that installations throughout the entire chain of weapons systems meet desired efficiency and accuracy.
"All our prior efforts paid off. Already at the start of the tests it was clear that installation had been carried out with great precision during construction and that preparatory alignment activities and agreements had been carefully followed. The second PKR vessel achieved similar results to the first one. This demonstrates that the complete concept implemented in the SIGMA PKR Class can be considered reliable and robust," concluded Mr Van Ameijden.
Damen Shipyards Group operates 36 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 12,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,500 vessels in over 100 countries and delivers around 175 vessels annually to customers worldwide.
Based on its unique standardised ship-design concept, Damen guarantees consistent quality. Its focus on standardisation, modular construction, and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low total cost of ownership, high resale values, and reliable performance. Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high-speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons, and superyachts. For nearly all vessel types, Damen offers services such as maintenance, spare parts delivery, training, and the transfer of shipbuilding know-how. Damen also supplies marine components including nozzles, rudders, winches, anchors, anchor chains, and steel works.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) operates a global network of eighteen repair and conversion yards, twelve of which are located in Northwest Europe. Facilities include over 50 floating and covered drydocks, including the longest (420 x 80 meters) and the widest (405 x 90 meters), as well as slopes, ship lifts, and indoor halls. Projects range from small repairs through class maintenance to complex refits and complete conversions of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,300 repair and maintenance jobs annually both in-yard and during voyages.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 42 No.2 Issue last April 30, 2020.
