# SAN’s new MMIPV ready for duty

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2022/05/sans-new-mmipv-ready-for-duty/
- Published: 2022-05-17T11:23:04+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

The South African Navy is set to commission the first of three multi-mission inshore
patrol vessels (MMIPVs) built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) into service.

The inshore patrol vessel was built to rejuvenate the patrol capability” of the 
South African Navy (SAN), and will replace the Warrior Class, (refurbished strikecraft)
SAS Isaac Dyobha (P1565), SAS Makhanda (P1569) and the now decommissioned to reserve
status [SAS Galeshewe (P1567).](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/south-african-navy-bids-final-farewell-to-sas-galeshewe-p1567-warrior-class-vessel)

> [South African Navy bids final farewell to SAS Galeshewe (P1567) Warrior-class vessel](https://www.military.africa/2020/11/south-african-navy-bids-final-farewell-to-sas-galeshewe-p1567-warrior-class-vessel/)

SAN Chief, Vice Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane, will commission on Wednesday, SAS Sekhukhune(
P1571), the first of three Warrior Class MMIPVs, at the Simon’s Town naval dockyard.

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SAS Sekhukhune (P1571), was laid at Damen Shipyards Cape Town [in February 2020 ](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/south-african-navys-project-biro-inshore-patrol-boat-launched/)
by Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula under a contract awarded by Armscor as Project Biro.

SAS Sekhukhune was laid in February 2019 and the second vessel was laid in August
2020. The first vessel was [launched](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/south-african-navys-project-biro-inshore-patrol-boat-launched)
at the end of March last year in Cape Town.

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The MMIPVs are based on Damen FCS 5009 Axe Bow design, which ensures low resistance,
high sustained speed in waves and superior sea keeping characteristics in the toughest
conditions.

The MMIPVs, built to the Stan Patrol 6211 design, have a maximum speed of 26.5 knots,
a range of 4 000 nautical miles, systems crew of up to 62. The vessels will each
carry one 7 metre long RHIB and one 9 metre long RHIB for boarding operations.

Combat equipment will include a combat management system, radar, forward gun position
and heavy machinegun positions.

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Reutech is supplying 20 mm Super Sea Rogue turrets with Denel GI2 cannons, as well
as RTS 3200 Optronics Radar Tracker (FORT) systems, [Kelvin Hughes SharpEye radar systems](https://www.military.africa/2021/06/south-african-navys-new-patrol-vessels-gets-sharpeye-radar),
and communications systems.

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