PT PAL launches Philippine Navy's third SSV

The Philippine Navy's third SSV, seen here at its launch ceremony on 30 June 2026. (PT PAL)

Indonesia's PT PAL has launched the Philippine Navy's third landing platform dock (LPD)-like strategic sealift vessel (SSV).

The vessel was launched on 30 June at PT PAL's facilities in Surabaya. Its name has not been formally revealed by the Philippine Navy, but stern markings indicate that the vessel will be commissioned as BRP Ilocos Norte.

PT PAL said in a statement that construction of the hull was completed within six months using its Industrial Maritime 4.0 framework, which integrates digital production processes. The company said the approach accelerated construction after the programme experienced schedule slippages.

PT PAL CEO Kaharuddin Djenod acknowledged that the programme had been affected by delays. “Despite global geopolitical challenges that impacted the supply chain and caused some schedule adjustments, PT PAL was able to maintain optimal internal performance, minimising the impact on project completion,“ he said.

The statement also cited Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, who said the vessel will enhance the service's ability to conduct amphibious operations, maritime security missions, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Ilocos Norte is the first of two units ordered under a 2022 follow-on contract and retains the baseline configuration of earlier SSVs.

The vessel features a well deck for landing craft operations, a large flight deck supporting helicopter deployments, and internal capacity for troops, vehicles, and relief supplies.

Compared with earlier ships in the class, the follow-on vessels feature greater vehicle deck clearance and the ability to embark and deploy the Philippine Navy's multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC).