The landing crafts
will be handed over after being refurbished with new safety and navigation
equipment. The Balikpapan class is an excellent capability for amphibious
operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
In 2013, Philippine Navy faced difficulties in relief efforts during
Typhoon Haiyan due to the lack of sealift ability. This will be addressed
with the supply of the two vessels, the Australian navy said.
The LCHs will
be capable of delivering personnel and equipment to areas that are
considered to be unreachable disaster relief missions. The 44.5m LCHs
cruise at a maximum speed of 10k to 13k, carrying 180t of cargo. The
Philippine Government is also considering purchase of the remaining
three Australian landing crafts, the former Wewak, Betano and Balikpapan.
The Royal Australian Navy decommissioned these vessels in 2012. Earlier
this year, Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PAL started construction
of the first of two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) for the Philippine
Navy.
Royal Australian Navy LCH conduct a beaching exercise (Photo: Royal
Australian Navy)