Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) in South Africa has completed building two FCS 5009 patrol vessels.
These are the first vessels of their type built in South Africa.
The vessels have been prepared by the DSCT for outfitting with a sea rogue weaponry system. This system will include a 20mm cannon forward of the wheelhouse and two 12.7mm Browning guns on the port and starboard sides of the wheelhouse. The system can be operated by a hand controller and has an accurate target-tracking feature.
Sam Montsi, chairman, DSCT, said: 'The FCS 5009 is deliverable in two formats. It can be either a fast crew supply ship or a security patrol vessel.'
DSCT is able to carry out the final conversion for either option within a matter of weeks. They are outfitted with MTU engines that offer a light weight-to-power ratio for increased speed.
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
Connect with us on socials
