Damen, Saab forge partnership to work on Colombian Navy’s PES frigate

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Naval has signed a contract with Swedish defense company Saab to deliver the combat management system for the Colombian Navy’s Plataforma Stratégica de Superficie (PES) program.

As disclosed, this partnership will combine Damen Naval’s design and engineering expertise with Saab’s advanced defense systems to deliver a naval solution tailored to Colombia’s operational requirements.

The PES frigate is based on Damen Naval’s SIGMA 10514 series. Specifically, Damen Naval will provide design, engineering, technical support, and materials to enable Colombia’s shipyard COTECMAR to construct a frigate locally.

Meanwhile, Saab will equip the frigate with its advanced 9LV combat management system and 9LV fire control system, alongside sensors and radar systems, including the Ceros 200 radar, EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director, Sea Giraffe 4A radars, among other systems.

This is the first SIGMA frigate to feature Saab technology. Damen Naval designs combat-neutral platforms that can be tailored to diverse operational requirements.

“This collaboration with Saab is a prime example of how North European cooperation can drive naval innovation and meet the evolving needs of international clients,” said Roland Briene, Damen Naval Managing Director.

Carl-Johan Bergholm, Saab Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Surveillance, added: “The PES programme is state-of-the-art, and we are honoured that the Colombian Navy selected us to supply their combat system. Our partnership with Damen Naval marks an important collaboration for the naval domain.”

The PES frigate is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030.

Earlier on, Damen partnered with classification society Lloyd’s Register and design, engineering, and support service provider Nevesbu to work on the Colombian frigate.