According to information published by Radio Republik Indonesia on October 26, 2023, the fleet of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has been augmented with the addition of a Special Mission Combat Boat (SMCB) to its lineup of warships. The ceremony took place at Pluit, Jakarta, with Vice Admiral TNI Ahmadi Heri Purwono overseeing the handover.
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Ceremony for the Special Mission Combat Boat Patkamla Yapero. (Picture source: TNI AL)
The SMCB is tailored for navigating areas unaccessible to larger warships, such as river channels and narrow straits, addressing a significant navigational challenge posed by Indonesia's geographical terrain filled with small islands and narrow waterways, which are often used for illicit activities like smuggling.
Vice Admiral Ahmadi Heri Purwono highlighted the vessel's capability to tackle these challenges and noted its versatility, mentioning its utility in transporting troops for amphibious operations as a notable feature.
This year, the Indonesian Navy procured two SMCB vessels, both domestically manufactured. One vessel was crafted at the PT Tesco Indomaritim shipyard, while the other was built at the PT Palindo Marine shipyard.
The new vessel, named Patkamla Yapero, will join the Lantamal XI fleet stationed in Merauke, Papua. The name Yapero is derived from an island located in the Eastern Mimika District, Mimika Regency.
With dimensions of 18.30 meters in length and 4.2 meters in width, the SMCB is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 35 knots. It is equipped with a 12.7 mm caliber machine gun and two 7.62 mm caliber machine guns, and will be manned by a seven-person crew. The vessel also has the capacity to carry 30 troops, making it suitable for amphibious landing operations or humanitarian missions.
