PH Navy’s Third LPD Nears Completion — Can PT PAL Deliver by 2026?

Описание: The Philippine Navy’s third Landing Platform Dock (LPD) is steadily taking shape, marking another critical milestone in the country’s ongoing naval modernization program. Built by Indonesia’s PT PAL, this new warship represents a major leap forward in the Philippines’ ability to conduct amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response (HADR), and joint military missions across the archipelago.

But as construction progresses, a key question remains:
👉 Can PT PAL meet the 2026 delivery deadline?

In this in-depth analysis, we break down everything you need to know about the PH Navy’s 3rd LPD — from construction progress and ship capabilities to delivery timelines, regional security implications, and lessons from previous LPD projects.

🔍 What Is the Philippine Navy’s 3rd LPD?

The third Landing Platform Dock is part of the Philippine Navy’s effort to expand its strategic sealift and amphibious warfare capabilities. These ships are designed to transport:

Marines and ground troops

Armored vehicles and trucks

Landing craft and small boats

Helicopters

Humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies

LPDs are often called “multi-mission ships” because they support both military and non-combat operations, making them especially valuable for a disaster-prone country like the Philippines.

🏗️ Current Construction Status: Taking Shape at PT PAL

Recent updates and imagery indicate that the hull and superstructure of the third LPD are now clearly visible, signaling steady progress at PT PAL’s shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Key construction milestones include:

Hull assembly well underway

Major structural blocks already integrated

Superstructure outline becoming defined

Internal compartment work progressing

This phase is critical because once the hull and superstructure are completed, the project can move into:

Systems installation

Electronics integration

Weapon and sensor fitting

Sea trials and acceptance testing

⏳ The 2026 Deadline: Is It Realistic?

The target delivery year of 2026 places PT PAL under close observation, especially considering:

Global supply chain disruptions

Rising costs of raw materials

Increased demand on regional shipbuilders

However, there are strong reasons for optimism.

✔️ PT PAL’s Track Record

PT PAL previously delivered:

BRP Tarlac (LD-601)

BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602)

Both ships were delivered within acceptable timelines, forming the backbone of the Philippine Navy’s current amphibious fleet.

✔️ Improved Experience

With two LPDs already completed for the PH Navy:

Design familiarity is high

Production processes are refined

Fewer learning-curve delays are expected

⚙️ Expected Capabilities of the 3rd LPD

While official specifications may still evolve, the third LPD is expected to be similar to its sister ships, with possible incremental upgrades.

🚢 General Characteristics (Expected)

Length: ~123 meters

Displacement: ~7,200 tons

Speed: ~15 knots

Range: ~9,300 nautical miles

🚁 Aviation Facilities

Flight deck capable of operating medium-lift helicopters

Hangar space for helicopter storage and maintenance

🚢 Amphibious Capability

Well deck for landing craft

Vehicle storage for trucks and armored vehicles

Rapid troop deployment capability

🛡️ Defensive Systems

Naval guns

Close-in weapon systems (CIWS)

Small-caliber automatic cannons
(primarily for self-defense)