Indonesia’s state-owned shipyard PAL has launched the first of two Sigma 10514 Perusak Kawal Rudal (PKR) guided-missile frigates, manufactured in collaboration with the Netherlands-based Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS).
The launch follows harbor acceptance tests and sea acceptance trials.
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) will operate the frigates for anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. They are also suitable for maritime security, search-and-rescue, patrol, and humanitarian support missions.
PAL president director Firmansyah Arifin said: "The launching of the first PKR went very smoothly. We are confident that the installation of the remaining technical parts of the vessel will be carried out in due time, so that the delivery phase can be achieved on or ahead of schedule."
The frigate project was launched in August 2010 by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, which awarded a contract to Damen in December that year to manufacture the first Sigma 10514 PKR.
The steel cutting ceremony took place in January 2014 at the PAL (Persero) Shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and DSNS in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.The keel was laid in April 2014 at Surabaya shipyard.
The Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (Sigma) was built modularly, where it was divided into six modules. Four were built in PAL’s shipyards and two at the Damen shipyard, while all of them were assembled by PAL.
Such architecture is said to enhance flexibility and ensure cost-efficiency, allowing the ship to be built at various locations globally.
The 105.11m long frigate has a 14.2m long beam and a 2,365t displacement.
The 3-D surveillance radar onboard the frigate has a range of 250km, while the target indication radar is equipped with an electro optical fire control system. The sensor array also includes a friend or foe identification (IFF) system and a hull-mounted sonar.
The frigate is armed with air, surface and sub-surface surveillance capabilities; guided missile systems and gun systems for anti-air warfare and anti-surface warfare; torpedo systems for anti-submarine warfare; active and passive electronic warfare systems; and aTacticos Combat Management System.
The helicopter deck serves as a launch pad for medium-sized helicopters. The vessel has two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) for rescue and patrol operations.
The combined diesel or electric (CODOE) system consists of two 10,000kW maximum continuous rating (MCR) diesel engines, two 1,300kW electric motors, two double input gearboxes, and two 3.65m controllable pitch propellers.
The frigate can reach a speed of 28k, and can sail up to 5,000nm at 14k. It can remain at the sea for a period of around 20 days, accommodating 122 persons.
Image: The Indonesian Navy will own two Sigma frigates. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
