Dutch shipyard Damen Naval has contracted Sweden’s Saab to provide the combat management system for the Colombian Navy’s Plataforma Stratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate programme, the two companies announced on 26 February 2025.
The PES frigate is based on Damen Naval’s SIGMA 10514 design, with the Dutch yard providing design, engineering, technical support and materials to allow COTECMAR, a state-owned enterprise that is Colombia’s largest shipyard, to construct a frigate locally in Cartagena.
Under its contract with Daman Naval Saab will equip the frigate with its advanced 9LV combat management system and 9LV fire control system, alongside sensors and radar systems that will include the Ceros 200 radar and optronic tracking fire control director, EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director and Sea Giraffe 4A radars as well as other systems.
The Colombian PES frigate will be the first SIGMA vessel to feature Saab technology.
“This collaboration with Saab is a prime example of how North European co-operation can drive naval innovation and meet the evolving needs of international clients,” Roland Briene, managing director of Damen Naval, was quoted as saying in a company press release.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, a Saab senior vice president and head of the company’s Surveillance business area, 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.
