The Philippine Navy’s modernization drive gained fresh momentum after its future Landing Dock was formally launched on June 30, 2026, at the PT PAL Indonesia shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) delegation led by AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rommel Roldan in witnessing the milestone ceremony.
The launch, hosted by Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia, underscored the continuing defense and industrial partnership between Manila and Jakarta as the Philippines works to expand its naval capacity.
Once delivered, the new Landing Dock is expected to strengthen the Navy’s strategic sealift capability, allowing it to transport troops, equipment, vehicles, and relief supplies for military and civilian missions.
The vessel will also support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, maritime security missions, and other deployments that require rapid movement across the country’s archipelagic waters.
The Philippine Navy said the project forms part of its broader effort to build a more modern, capable, and responsive fleet amid evolving security challenges in the region.
The launch marks another key step in the service’s ongoing capability upgrade program, which seeks to enhance the Navy’s ability to protect national sovereignty and respond to the needs of Filipino communities.