Ecuador turns to local shipyard and international suppliers for military platforms
Shipbuilding has been slow in Ecuador despite the country’s objective to combat criminal activities along the coast. (Photo: Astinave)
As Ecuador attempts to combat so-called “terrorist networks”, the country has turned to the US and Turkey for equipment, while domestic construction and acquisition of new naval platforms has remained a slow process.
Ecuadorian state-run shipyard Astinave has declared a multipurpose vessel under construction for the Ecuadorian Navy to be 65% complete. A shipyard spokesperson explained to Shephard that the vessel, the future BAE Ruminahui, would be “ready by end of this year before undergoing sea trials”. The ship will be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2025.
The multipurpose vessel, the first of its class that the shipyard has built, has a length of 75m and capacity for a 12-ton helicopter. It will be equipped with Astinave’s Orion command and control system and will have a crew of 66.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
