The Royal Brunei Armed Forces recorded another significant milestone in its history with the official acceptance of two DARUSSALAM Class Patrol Vessels, namely KDB DARUSSALAM and KDB DARULEHSAN.The construction of these ships manifested the commitment of the government of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Of Negara Brunei Darussalam in further enhancing the Royal Brunei Armed Forces capability, in particular the Royal Brunei Navy, to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as stated in the Defence White Paper 2004 and the update 2007.
The handing over ceremony took place at Lürssen Shipyard, Germany and accepting on behalf of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was the Deputy Minister Of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat.
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Both ships are currently refueling and presumably arming at the french Toulon naval base. They are equipped to use the French Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and also have a Bofors 57mm gun mounted on the foredeck. At the rear there is a opening for small fast attack boats that can be launched and recovered while the ship is underway. No information available yet on their type or performance.They are also equipped with a helicopter deck at the rear where drones could possibly also be launched and used for target practice or acquiring targets and surveillance work. In all an excellent small but powerful and possibly quite fast patrol boat. This would make an excellent model for radio control.With gun action and smaller attack or pursuit boats being launched and recovered while the model in motion.
ReplyDeleteBoth ships now at sea, departed Toulon destination Dubai? 15.45 Both ships tracked for 3.5hrs heading 127deg then both ships turned off tracking beacons. Presumably now both ships having refueled and fully stocked they were undergoing speed trials. So far these sleek boats have only been run at low speeds 13kts but are defiantly built for more. Most likely heading for the Suez canal they will present a fine photo opportunity when they do make the passage. Both ships reappeared on tracking at 22.53hrs. Speed trials over? Has anybody seen either of the ships with their rear doors open? I hope this is not the last we see of them before they arrive in Brunei where they will be officially received as the latest additions to their fleet.No doubt more photos will become available then in the local press.
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