KSAL Admiral Yudo Margono: KRI Teluk Palu-523 Can Increase Indonesian Navy's Strength

KSAL TNI Admiral Yudo Margono (Photo Via Antara)

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Navy (KSAL) Admiral Yudo Margono said the newly inaugurated KRI Teluk Palu-523 could increase the strength of the Indonesian Navy (AL).

"Hopefully the presence of KRI Teluk Palu-523 can increase the strength and capability of the Navy, especially in the amphibious landing operations and administration by the Military Sea Crossing Command," he said in Bandarlampung, Antara, Wednesday, March 9.

Yudo said KRI Teluk Palu-523 was one of nine ships projected to replace ships belonging to the Indonesian Navy which were old. "Compared to the old one, this KRI is longer and has greater capabilities," he said.

He mentioned that this ship has a length of 120 meters while the previous one was not up to 100 meters, then it is capable of carrying 10 Leopard tanks, one armored unit 2 AVBL, one transporter unit, and two helicopters.

"KRI Teluk Palu-523 can accommodate 360 soldiers, 115 crew members and six helicopter crews," he said.

Yudo said that this ship has a maximum high speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 14.8 knots and an economical speed of 13.6 knots.

"For the cruise capability, this ship reaches 7,200 nautical miles and is equipped with 2x40 mm and 2x12.7 mm weapons," he said.

It should be noted that KRI Teluk Palu-523 will join forces to strengthen the ranks of the Indonesian Navy's warships, particularly the Military Cross-Sea Command (Kolinlamil) at Caligi Pier, Lanal Command Headquarters in Lampung.