INFOGRAPHICS #64: PES 10714CO, the new light frigate of the Colombian Navy

Written by D-Mitch

Damen-Cotecmar PES 10714CO, the new
light frigate of the Colombian Navy

In this comprehensive post, I illustrate the equipment details of the Colombian Navy's new light frigate using graphical representations. Drawing from the latest insights sourced from infodefensa.com and with invaluable assistance from Erich Saumeth Cadavid, an esteemed analyst and correspondent at infodefensa, Janes, and Mönch, we delve into the evolving construction progress and specifications of this new design for the program Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES). The design is based on the proven design of the SIGMA 10514 multi-mission light frigate/corvette of Damen that was successfully constructed in other non-Damen shipyards, and serves with the Navies of Mexico and Indonesia. According to the Colombian MoD, Colombia selected Damen Shipyards as the technological ally because it obtained the best conditions in terms of effectiveness, cost and risk for the joint development of the contractual design of the frigate in Colombia. The PES programme calls for the local construction of up to five (5) frigates to replace the Colombian Navy's four ageing Almirante Padilla-class (FS1500) frigates, and its two Pohang-class corvettes that were acquired from the Republic of Korea Navy. 

Almirante Padilla class light frigates of the Colombian Navy

Written by D-Mitch

  

Antioquia, third of the Almirante Padilla class light frigates
Photo: Armada Nacional de la República de Colombia

The main surface combatants of the Colombian Navy (Armada Nacional de la República de Colombia) are four (4) Almirante Padilla class light frigates/corvettes designed and built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) the period 1983-1984 in Kiel of Germany. The designation of the class is Type FS 1500, a similar design which was obtained by the Malaysian Navy, the Kasturi class frigates that have different electronic equipment and weapon systems. The frigates followed an extensive modernization program in Colombia at Cotecmar shipyard, a program that included the propulsion system, the electronic equipment and the weapon systems. The program finished in 2014 with the completion of sea acceptance tests of the ships. The contract with the Colombian authorities was signed early 2009, with DCNS acting as prime contractor and Thales as the lead systems integrator for the combat system and communications suite.