Turkey to get Damen SAR vessels
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has signed a contract with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to build six search and rescue (SAR) vessels, it announced on 6 November.
The boats, set to be built at Damen Shipyards Antalya, will be operated by the Turkish Coast Guard and funded by the European Union. To be delivered in 2017, they will support migrant and refugee rescue operations.
The vessels to be built are the Damen SAR 1906, an all-weather, self-righting SAR vessel with a composite wheelhouse and aluminium hull. Its hull design is based on the company's axe bow technology, adapted for rescue-specific operations.
The boats will be deployed along the Turkish coastline. The 19-metre SAR 1906 can carry up to 120 survivors. Damen Shipyards Antalya plans to deliver the first vessel in May 2017 and the second in June, and have all six commissioned by the end of the year.
More from Naval Warfare
-
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
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
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
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.