Mandau-class

Summary

Description

The Mandau-class, officially known as KCR-PSK, is a sophisticated fleet of missile-armed fast attack craft operated by the Indonesian Navy. This class includes four vessels constructed by Korea Tacoma Marine Industries in South Korea over the period between 1977 and 1980. These crafts are a vital component of Indonesia's naval defense strategy.

Derived from the Korean-built PSSM patrol boat, which itself was influenced by the US Navy's Asheville-class gunboat design, the Mandaus are propelled by a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) power plant. This consists of a General Electric-Fiat LM2500 gas turbine for high-speed sprints and two MTU 12V331 TC81 diesel engines for cruising, achieving speeds up to 41 knots with the turbine and a cruising range of 2,500 nautical miles at 17 knots.

Armament on the Mandau-class is formidable, featuring a main Bofors 57 mm SAK-57 Mk I gun and a Bofors 40 mm L/70 gun, supplemented by two Rheinmetall 20 mm cannons for close-in defense. The crafts also have the capability to launch four MM38 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Their surveillance and targeting are enhanced with a Racal Decca 1226 I-band surface search radar, Signaal WM 28 fire control radar, and a Selenia NA-18 optronic director. The crew comprises 7 officers and 36 other ranks.

The Mandau-class has seen significant operational use since its commissioning. A notable event in its service history was the loss of KRI Rencong on September 11, 2018. The vessel, active in policing against illegal fishing, caught fire and sank near Sorong in West Papua after a blaze erupted in the engine room. Despite this setback, the Mandau-class continues to be an asset for patrolling Indonesian territorial waters, especially in strategic areas like the Banda and Celebes Seas.

Technical specifications