BOGOTA - BMT Defence Services and Saab Naval Systems have teamed up to offer a new frigate to the Colombian Navy based on BMT's VENATOR-110 family of warships.
In March 2015, the Colombian Navy unveiled its requirements for the future fleet of frigates that will replace the Almirante Padilla class missile frigates. As part of its "Force Planning 2030," the Navy is seeking to acquire up to eight vessels between 3,000 and 5,000 tons. The frigates should be equipped with long-range vertical launch systems (VLS) for air defense, surface warfare systems, missiles with ranges greater than 180 kilometers, ASW systems, and sonar with a variable depth and a scope of 4,000-7,000 nautical miles. The vessels should have a range of approximately 30 days and be able to maintain a speed of approximately 27-30 knots. The vessel design should also have a low radar signature.
BMT will leverage its experience designing ships for the Royal Navy, using its VENATOR-110 family of frigates and patrol ships as the basis of the bid. Saab will provide combat systems, including its sensor suite and combat management system computers.
In addition to technical details, the team has proposed collaborating with Colombia's national shipbuilder, COTECMAR and the Colombian Navy. The proposals includes knowledge transfer, local construction in Colombia, and allows Colombia to export ships based on the design in the future.