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
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
