INFOGRAPHICS #64: PES 10714CO, the new light frigate of the Colombian Navy

Written by D-Mitch

Damen-Cotecmar PES 10714CO, the new
light frigate of the Colombian Navy

In this comprehensive post, I illustrate the equipment details of the Colombian Navy's new light frigate using graphical representations. Drawing from the latest insights sourced from infodefensa.com and with invaluable assistance from Erich Saumeth Cadavid, an esteemed analyst and correspondent at infodefensa, Janes, and Mönch, we delve into the evolving construction progress and specifications of this new design for the program Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES). The design is based on the proven design of the SIGMA 10514 multi-mission light frigate/corvette of Damen that was successfully constructed in other non-Damen shipyards, and serves with the Navies of Mexico and Indonesia. According to the Colombian MoD, Colombia selected Damen Shipyards as the technological ally because it obtained the best conditions in terms of effectiveness, cost and risk for the joint development of the contractual design of the frigate in Colombia. The PES programme calls for the local construction of up to five (5) frigates to replace the Colombian Navy's four ageing Almirante Padilla-class (FS1500) frigates, and its two Pohang-class corvettes that were acquired from the Republic of Korea Navy. 

Almirante Padilla-class (FS1500) frigates

COTECMAR and Damen signed
the contract on board Almirante
Padilla corvette

COTECMAR and Damen signed
the contract on board Almirante
Padilla corvette

On Tuesday September 27, 2022 Colombia's state-owned COTECMAR (Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial) shipyard and Damen signed a contract for the co-development of the Contractual Design for the next generation of frigates for the Colombian Navy. The signing ceremony took place on board of the ARC Almirante Padilla in the Naval Base ARC Bolivar in Cartagena, Colombia. The project is expected to be completed in 10 years, and will be fulfilled under different phases. It is noteworthy to mention that the new design will incorporate certain weapon systems from the Almirante Padilla class, including the OTO 76/STRALES gun systems, torpedo launchers, and anti-ship missiles. However, should a fifth frigate be commissioned, supplementary systems would be necessary.

A computer rendering, released by Damen, of a notional SIGMA 10514 design matched to the Colombian Navy's PES requirements. The final configuration was determined during the contractual design phase.

During the the PES contractual design phase, Damen updated the SIGMA 10514 design in order to meet the requirements of the end user, the Colombian Navy. Note that PES is the product of a dual design between Cotecmar and Damen. The full designation name is Damen-Cotecmar PES 10714CO. The most recent configuration, and more likely the final one, is the one included in this post. Deliberately, I created this post in order to show the updated configuration (sensors and weapons) of 2024 in comparison with the initial image released by Damen back in 2022.

Updated graph of Colombian Navy's PES 10714CO light frigate which will replace
the Almirante Padilla class corvettes.While the maquette showcases key systems, not all components are accurately portrayed in terms of shape and detail.

Comparing the rendering released by Damen in 2022, notable disparities emerge in both armament and sensor systems. For instance, the remote weapon systems (RWS) have transitioned from their previous iteration to Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EME) products consisting of three different RWS equipped with 12.7mm, 20mm and 30mm guns. The Oerlikon Millenium Gun 35mm CIWS has been replaced by omne of the RWS. However, this configuration could potentially be simplified due to budget constraints, possibly reducing to either three 12.7mm RWS or a combination of two 12.7mm RWS and two 20mm RWS. Similarly, the sensors, once Thales products consistent with SIGMA designs, have been substituted with Saab products.

The gun armament of the new Colombian Navy light frigate.

Photos of the maquette provided by Erich Saumeth Cadavid and information about the equipment and the technical characteristics of the design, from his articles:

• https://www.infodefensa.com (1)
• https://www.infodefensa.com (2)