The Indonesian Navy is reportedly in talks to order a stealth fast missile patrol vessel trimaran to replace the ill-fated 'Klewang', which perished in a fire shortly after launch in 2012.
Reports from the office of the Chief of the Indonesian Navy suggest the new vessel will measure over 60 metres in length, and will be constructed again by local Indonesian shipyard PT Lundin (trading as North Sea Boats).
PT Lundin had signed the contract for the original vessel five years ago, following an extensive development program which involved collaboration with both the Indonesian Navy and New Zealand-based naval architecture firm LOMOcean Design.
The craft concept was for a shallow draught trimaran constructed of vinylester carbon fibre and featuring a considerable weapons platform, stealth and radar-evading capabilities, as well as high speeds in short, steep seas.
Delivered in August 2012, the 63-metre x 16-metre 'Klewang' – named after a traditional Indonesian single edged sword – could accommodate almost 30 officers and crew, with facilities and equipment also provided for the transport of Special Forces troops.
After completion, 'Klewang' was scheduled to undertake extensive sea trials and tests commencing in October and was expected to be fully operational by 2013. In late September, however, the 'Klewang' caught fire when undergoing maintenance at the naval port in Banyuwangi, East Java and was irreparably damaged.
