South African IPV programme reaches new milestone
A blessing ceremony was conducted in Cape Town for the first of three Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels for the South African Navy.
The South African Navy (SAN) held a low-key blessing ceremony on 12 February for its first Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPV) at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT).
In all, three MMIPVs — being built by DSCT for the SAN under Project Biro — will be used for missions such as maritime patrol and EEZ protection missions.
‘This vessel will be crucial in search and rescue operations and a critical link in security operations. The reconfigurability of the ship makes it a force multiplier in any littoral environment for the SA Navy,’ Chief of the SAN, VAdm Mosiwa Hlongwane, said during the blessing ceremony.
Names for the three vessels are yet to be officially announced. Each MMIPV will be 62.2m long with a beam of 11.5m and draft of 4m, carrying a crew of 48. The 1,031t vessels will have a maximum speed of 30kt and range of 5,000nmi.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the first MMPIV may enter service as early as mid-2021, followed by the second in 2022 and the third in 2023.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Project Biro (1-3) [South Africa]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market]()
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
