Project Biro makes headway in South Africa with second MMIPV launch
A second MMIPV has joined first-in-class King Sekhukhune II (pictured). (Photo: SAN)
With two MMIPVs in the water, the South African Navy awaits the final vessel in 2024.
The second of three Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) for the South African Navy (SAN) was launched on 14 October.
Shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) noted in a statement that the vessel will be delivered to the SAN in 2023 ‘after extensive acceptance trials’, and the final MMIPV will follow in 2024.
DSCT delivered the first MMPIV (King Sekhukhune II) in May 2022, four years after it was awarded the Project Biro contract.
Each MMPIV is 62m long with a beam of 11m, based on the Damen Sea Axe design.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates a unit cost of $33 million per vessel.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Project Biro-62m Multimission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
-
![UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats]()
UK demonstration shows how sensors and C2 can protect ports from multi-domain threats
Naval vessels are at high risk when in harbour, port or dockside and the threat from asymmetric attacks has been shown in the Ukraine war against Russian ships. A demonstration of combined systems in the UK hoped to show a potential solution to defence, government and commercial delegates.
-
![Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing]()
Final US Navy Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship concludes acceptance testing
After troubled progress with the Littoral Combat Ship programme, the US Navy plans to commission USS Pierre (LCS 38) this autumn.
