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SSV - Strategic Sealift Vessel

Philippine Navy announced 22 December 2014 that the first of two helicopter landing ship docks (SSV - Strategic Sealift Vessel) will enter the fleet in the second quarter of 2016. This was confirmed at a press briefing Deputy Navy Commander Rear Admiral Takkada Caesar (Caesar Taccad). According to him, the total amount of the contract to build two SSV ships was 4 billion Philippine pesos.

"The first ship is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2016, the second ship - in the second quarter of 2017," said Takkad. "These ships will be used in military and civilian operations, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime transport, rescue, or as a floating platform for government activities," he said.

The crew will be 126 officers and sailors. It can also be transported infantry battalion (500 soldiers) and their weapons. Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL confirmed that the company has signed a contract for delivery of two ships SSV naval forces of the Philippines. PT PAL makes the Makassar class under license from Daewoo.

Department of National Defence and the Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL contracted the SSV. The contract – worth USD92 million – was signed with the PN in June 2014 and called for the vessels to be supplied in 2016 and 2017. The contract also stipulates a requirement for PT PAL to provide an integrated support package that will enable Philippine industry to undertake maintenance and support of the SSVs in partnership with the PN. Discussions over the SSV contract had continued since January when PT PAL emerged as the sole bidder in the program.

The ship, with a displacement of about 7,500 tons, will be equipped with a landing pad for two 10-ton helicopter (Black Hawk class), and the hangar will accommodate three helicopters. The power plant of two diesel engines and two screws with adjustable step will allow the ship to reach speeds up to 16 knots. Cruising range - 7,500 miles at a speed of 13 knots.

Flooded dock will accommodate two landing boats on davits - two RHIB boat or LCVP. Armed ships will consist of 40 or 127-mm gun mount, two 30-mm gun mounts and 5.56-mm machine guns.

The rise of the multirole vessel (MRV) has mirrored the evolving nature of maritime power in the 21st century. High-tech craft, capable of undertaking various roles, are becoming the mainstay of modern navies as they address the evolving nature of naval warfare, smuggling and piracy. Modern navies are becoming more and more accustomed to dealing with military operations other than war (MOOTW) and increasingly, the need to deal with humanitarian relief in the aftermath of natural disasters, provide emergency medical care, or establish a helicopter platform for replenishment or evacuation, places new demands on vessels and their crews.