Three SA Navy multi-mission inshore patrol vessels being built in Cape Town have been named after historical warriors, says the SA National Defence Force.
These are the first locally built vessels for the navy since 1986, following the SAS Drakensburg and three warrior-class strike craft built in Durban. The keel laying ceremony for the last vessel under construction was held at Damen Shipyards in Cape Town on October 22.
The vessels names are P1571 SAS Sekhukhune; P1572 SAS Adam Kok and P1573 SAS Shaka.
“These ships are the Warrior Class in recognition of the warriors who led their people with great bravery to fight many battles in SA. They follow the heritage path of their predecessors,” said the military.
The SAS Sekhukhune is due to be delivered to the navy in the first quarter of next year. The crew has commenced with the training and familiarisation of the ship.
The ship yard said in March the vessels “will augment SA’s maritime security by enhancing the country’s capability to respond effectively, rapidly and cost-effectively to threats such as illegal trafficking and fishing”.
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