The South African Navy has received the first of three multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs), on order from Damen Shipyard in Cape Town under Project Biro.
SAS Sekhukhune was delivered to the Simon’s Town naval base on 18 May, and will now await commissioning before being moved to Naval Base Durban, the home base for the patrol squadron.
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).
SAS Sekhukhune was launched at the end of March last year in Cape Town.
The MMIPVs are based on Damen’s Stan Patrol 6211 axe bow design and have a maximum speed of 26 kt and a range of 4,000 n miles. They have accommodation for 62, including an embarked boarding or landing party.
Their primary sensor is the Reutech Radar Systems RTS 3200: a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar/optronics tracker (FORT) that was previously trialled aboard the frigate SAS Spioenkop.
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, and communications systems.
The MMIPVs’ main armament is the Reutech 20 mm Super Rogue remotely controlled gun with machine guns in the bridge wings. Reutech is also providing the communications system, which will be LINK-ZA compatible.
The second MMIPV is scheduled for launch in September 2022 and delivery in April 2023, whilst the third vessel is scheduled for delivery in April 2024.