The South African Navy took delivery of its third multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) on Friday.
The SAS Adam Kok III (P1573), which was developed under Project Biro, was delivered by Armscor to the navy at Salisbury Island in Durban, where the official naming and commissioning ceremony took place.
The vessel is named after the founder of the Griqua nation, with the approval of the Royal Griqua House.
SAS Adam Kok III joins its sister vessels, SAS King Sekhukhune I (P1571) and SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572), as part of the navy’s patrol squadron.
The MMIPVs are designed for multi-role operations to safeguard national waters, enforce maritime law, and deter threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing along South Africa’s nearly 2 800-kilometre coastline.
The delivery of P1573 marks the completion of a 2018 contract awarded to Damen Shipyards Cape Town to build three MMIPVs. The keel for the first vessel, SAS King Sekhukhune I, was laid in February 2021 and it was delivered in May 2022.
The second vessel, SAS King Shaka Zulu, was delivered in October 2023. Both vessels are currently undergoing operational testing and evaluation, according to South African Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.
The MMIPVs, based on the Stan Patrol 6211 design, are 62 metres long, have an economical speed of 20 knots, and a range of 2 000 nautical miles. Each vessel is equipped with a Reutech 20 mm Super Sea Rogue marine gun and a Reutech Fort (frequency modulated optical radar tracker) low probability of intercept optronics radar tracking system.
The vessels also carry nine- and seven-metre rigid hull inflatable boats for boarding and other operations.
The three vessels are collectively known as the Warrior Class, taking their name from their predecessors, the strike craft based on an Israeli design.
SAS Makhanda is the last of this strike craft which is scheduled for decommissioning.
Source: Military Africa
