The Philippine Navy launched its future landing dock ship at the PT PAL Indonesia Shipyard last 30 June, marking a major expansion of the military’s strategic sealift and disaster response capabilities.

Vice admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, called the launching a milestone for the country’s defense modernization efforts.

Ezpeleta was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines delegation, led by AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Rommel P. Roldan, that traveled to Indonesia to witness the naval ceremony.

Hosted by PT PAL Indonesia, the event highlighted the ongoing defense manufacturing partnership between the Philippine Navy and the state-owned Indonesian shipbuilder to advance Manila’s naval fleet.

The future landing dock ship is designed to significantly enhance the navy’s capacity to execute large-scale strategic sealift operations, maritime security missions and regional humanitarian assistance and disaster response campaigns.

Navy officials said the acquisition reflects continuous efforts to establish a modern, responsive fleet through strategic international partnerships to protect the nation’s maritime sovereignty.