REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA -- One of the two strategic sealift vessels ordered by Philippine Navy was launched on Monday (18/1) by Indonesia shipbuilder PT PAL.
PT PAL Indonesia President Director M. Firmansyah said construction of the $86,980,000 contract was fully carried out by PT PAL.
Meanwhile, Philippine’s Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said in a press briefing, quoted from, Philstar Globe, the vessel will boost nation's military capabilities.
“The acquisition of the strategic sealift vessels is a very important milestone for our Navy. It will increase our capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster response during critical moments when we our hit by storms,” he added.
Launching is a Navy term that refers to the removal of a ship from dry dock to allow it to float at sea for the next stage of tests. A ship is launched to ensure that it is working properly before it is delivered to its buyer.