Damen Naval has signed a contract with Saab to deliver the combat management system for the Colombian Navy’s Plataforma Stratégica de Superficie (PES) programme. This partnership combines Damen Naval’s design and engineering expertise with Saab’s advanced defence systems to deliver a naval solution tailored to Colombia’s operational requirements.

The PES frigate is based on Damen Naval’s SIGMA 10514 series. Damen Naval will provide design, engineering, technical support, and materials to enable Colombia’s leading shipyard, COTECMAR, to construct a frigate locally.

Saab will equip the frigate with its advanced 9LV Combat Management System and 9LV Fire Control System, alongside sensors and radar systems, including the Ceros 200 radar, EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director, Sea Giraffe 4A radars, among other systems.

This is the first SIGMA frigate to feature Saab technology. Damen Naval designs combat-neutral platforms that can be tailored to diverse operational requirements.

“This collaboration with Saab is a prime example of how North European cooperation can drive naval innovation and meet the evolving needs of international clients,” says Roland Briene, Damen Naval Managing Director. 

Carl-Johan Bergholm, Saab Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Surveillance, adds: “The PES programme is state-of-the-art, and we are honoured that the Colombian Navy selected us to supply their combat system. Our partnership with Damen Naval marks an important collaboration for the naval domain.”

This partnership between Saab and Damen Naval shows the shared commitment of Sweden and the Netherlands to advancing defence innovation and global security. The PES frigate is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030. 

Damen Shipyards Group – Oceans of Possibilities

Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety-five years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion and repair of ships and ship components. By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value.

 Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials.

 Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. We deliver in the region of 100 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people. In all that we do, our aim to ensure a positive impact on the local environment and society.

 Damen Naval – Securing Our Seas

Damen Naval is the only naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Netherlands and has delivered more than 420 vessels to customers around the world, offering a role as designer, engineer, builder, integrator, and service provider throughout our ships’ lifecycle.

This year, we celebrate “150 years of naval excellence”. Our company started in 1875 as Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde (the Royal Schelde yard) and has grown into Damen Naval, part of the Damen Shipyards Group. 

For our launching customer, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is working strategically to renew and replace the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet. This includes the Combat Support Ship and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates. In addition, Damen Naval leads a range of naval projects for NATO/EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigate programme for the German Navy.