French-based Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie (CMN) has launched the first of two tank landing craft for the Angolan Navy as part of a follow-up deal signed in 2016.
Designed to conduct amphibious operations, transport combat vehicles and troops. The tank landing craft (ND15) was launched at the end of February, and will be delivered around May.
CMN started building the first vessel in January 2022, and has also begun the construction of the second tank landing craft which will be delivered in 2024.
The tank landing craft is powered by two engines driving two shafts and will be able to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h). The ship will have a crew of 18 sailors.
The vessel has a length of 70 m and a width of 10.6 m. The hull of the ship and its superstructures are made of steel. Watertight bulkheads ensure survivability in the event of damage. The ship will be able to carry up to 200 tons of military equipment, troops, and combat vehicles.
The CMN landing ship will be able to transport up to 260 soldiers and has also a 5.25m small ship with a dedicated crane that can be used to perform landing operations
In 2022, CMN did not disclose the customer, but the shipbuilder noted that the contract was on behalf of Privinvest, as part of a follow-on contract signed by Privinvest in 2016 for around 20 vessels destined for ‘an African country’.
Earlier in 2016, Privinvest announced it would set-up a shipyard in Angola and supply several naval vessels under a 495 million euro deal.
The deal comprised of three CMN HSI 32 patrol craft, which were delivered in 2019, and a long range offshore patrol vessel and a short range patrol vessel from France.
Four months ago, CMN handed over the first of three Ocean Eagle trimaran patrol boats to Angola, in a ceremony that took place in Toulon.
Angola already operates patrol boats from CMN, including HSI 32 high-speed patrol craft.
Meanwhile, Angola recently signed a billion euro contract with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shipyards for a fleet of 71 metre BR71 Mk II corvettes.
The deal covers three BR71 Mk II corvettes and an undisclosed number of Edge-designed smaller boats, as well as training and UAVs. Edge subsidiary ADASI produces the Garmoosha and Al Sabr S-100, based on Schiebel’s Camcopter RWUAS.
