Hoyerswerda-class

Summary

Description

The Teluk Gilimanuk class, initially named Hoyerswerda class, is a series of medium landing ships utilized by the Indonesian Navy. These vessels have their origins in East Germany, constructed for the Volksmarine in two variants: Project 108 (Frosch I) as regular medium landing ships and Project 109 (Frosch II) as combat support ships. The Indonesian Navy acquired these ships during the 1990s as a strategic enhancement to their maritime capabilities.

In terms of design, the classes differ slightly in size and power. The Project 108 has a more powerful propulsion system with two diesel engines outputting a total of 5,000 metric horsepower, while Project 109 has engines yielding 4,408 metric horsepower. Despite this difference, both classes maintain a speed of 18 knots. Accommodations for the crew consist of a complement of 46 personnel, and both classes have a crane aboard, albeit with differing cargo capacities—600 long tons for Project 108 and 650 long tons for Project 109.

The armament configurations have evolved over time. Originally, the ships featured various combinations of 57 mm guns, 30 mm guns, 25 mm autocannons, and some with 122 mm rocket launchers, accompanied by Muff Cob fire control radar. After being transferred to the Indonesian service, the armament was standardized and replaced with weapons such as a single Bofors 40 mm gun and twin V-11 37 mm guns for Project 108, while Project 109 received similar updates.

These vessels were developed by VEB Peenewerft in Wolgast during the late 1970s, marking a significant phase for naval shipbuilding in East Germany. The Project 108 ships were constructed between 1976 and 1979, and the Project 109 ships shortly thereafter between October 1979 and February 1980. Named after the East German town of Hoyerswerda, their design fulfilled the requirements of a tactical medium landing ship and a logistic support vessel.

For their operational history, a total of fourteen Teluk Gilimanuk-class LSMs have been commissioned by the Indonesian Navy. As of 2022, eleven remain in active service, while two have been lost in accidents, and one has retired.

Technical specifications