South Africa’s IPV programme completes landmark stage
South African Navy’s new Inshore Patrol Vessel completes key landmark in progamme that will deliver key maritime security capabilities to the service
Equipped with OSI Maritime Systems integrated navigation and tactical systems, the lead vessel of the South African Navy’s three-ship class of IPV’s recently concluded the First Article Acceptance Test, a landmark stage in the programme’s development.
Being built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town in South Africa, the multi-mission IPVs (MMIPV) will be used for coastal security activities such as maritime patrol and securing the country’s EEZ.
‘I’d sum up the MMIPV as a patrol vessel with big capacity,’ stated Jim Davison, VP, business development at OSI. ‘It was a very interesting project for OSI, as we applied solutions to this compact vessel that are typically found on bigger or combat ready ships.’
For the South African progamme, dubbed Project Biro, OSI fitted the IPV with a navigation and tactical suite that included the company’s Tactical Asset Control and Tracking and Integrated Mission Management System.
In addition, the company’s warship electronic chart and display system, certified to NATO STANAG 4564, is integrated into critical sensor inputs including X-band and S-band radars, INS and GPS module, among others.
According to Defence Insight data Project Biro will see each IPV delivered at an estimated cost of £33.6 million.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
