Tarlac-class

The Tarlac class, originally designated as the Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV), was developed to provide the Philippine Navy with amphibious transport and sealift capabilities. The acquisition project originated from a requirement to replace a 2009 proposal for converted Ro-Ro vessels. The Department of National Defense initially sought multi-role vessels comparable to the Endurance or Galicia classes before selecting a design from PT PAL Indonesia. This design is a variant of the Indonesian Navy’s Makassar class, which is based on a landing platform dock template from South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. PT PAL was awarded the contract for two vessels in 2013.

The class utilizes a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion arrangement with controllable pitch propellers. For amphibious missions, the ships feature a floodable well deck for landing craft and boat davits for smaller craft. Aviation facilities consist of a flight deck and a hangar capable of accommodating naval helicopters. Communications are managed via an ICCS5 control system. The vessels are designed to transport a battalion of troops and their associated armored vehicles and equipment. While the ships are designed with positions for a main gun and secondary cannons, the Philippine Navy is responsible for the installation of weapon systems following delivery.

The lead vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), was launched in January 2016 and entered service in June of that year. The second ship, BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), was delivered in May 2017. Both vessels are operated by the Sealift Amphibious Force. Primary duties include amphibious operations and transport in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ships also serve as platforms for humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) and search and rescue (SAR) missions. In June 2022, the Philippine Navy reported an order for two additional units of the class. Construction on these subsequent vessels began in 2024.