Construction of the 40-meter class patrol vessels is an integral part of TNI AL's efforts to develop its strength in accordance with the strategic plan in place as well as to support TNI AL in fulfilling its duties.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) launched two locally-made 40-meter class fast patrol warships (PC-40 M) after inauguration by Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Yudo Margono at PT Karimun Anugrah Sejati's dockyard, Batam, Riau Islands, Monday.

"Construction of the 40-meter class patrol vessels is an integral part of TNI AL's efforts to develop its strength in accordance with the strategic plan in place as well as to support TNI AL in fulfilling its duties," Margono noted in a press statement released in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The two fast patrol vessels, called Karotang-872 and Mata Bongsang-873, are 45.5 meters long and 7.9 meters wide and weigh 220 tons each.

The ships that will operate in the littoral waters can sail at a maximum speed of 24 knots, a cruising speed of 17 knots, and an economic speed of 15 knots and have a sail endurance of six days.

The ships are also equipped with two units of radar and 30-milimeter cannons and will be manned by 35 soldiers.

The vessels will strengthen the patrol fleet under the command of the patrol unit of the Jayapura main naval base and the patrol unit of the Belawan main naval base.

Margono stated that as the world's largest maritime state, Indonesia must secure its vast territorial waters by strengthening its capability to ensure secure and safe shipping in its entire jurisdictional waters.

As a consequence, the country must increase the number of patrol ships in stages until they reach the required count, he added. Related news: Defense Ministry, PT PAL Indonesia to build fast missile boats
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Translator: Syaiful Hakim/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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