SURABAYA, Indonesia, July 1, 2026 — Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia has launched the Philippine Navy's third Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock (LPD), marking another milestone in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.
The vessel, designated LD-603 and expected to be commissioned as BRP Ilocos Norte, was launched on June 30 at PT PAL's shipyard in Surabaya, East Java. It is the first of two improved Tarlac-class LPDs ordered under a follow-on contract signed between the Philippines and Indonesia in 2022. Construction of the two vessels began during 2023 and 2024, while the fourth ship, expected to be named BRP Leyte (LD-604), is scheduled for launch later this year.
The new vessel builds on the design of the original Tarlac-class ships, BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur, which entered Philippine Navy service in 2016 and 2017. The latest ships incorporate several improvements developed from years of operational experience with the first two vessels.
Improved Design for Amphibious Operations
LD-603 features structural modifications requested by the Philippine Navy to improve operational efficiency. Compared to the earlier ships, it has a larger side ramp door and an expanded vehicle deck, allowing faster embarkation and disembarkation of troops and equipment while enabling the transport of larger and heavier military vehicles.
The ship will also carry two Indonesian-built Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels housed in its floodable well deck, providing additional capability for transporting personnel, vehicles, and equipment during amphibious operations. Its flight deck is designed to accommodate two 10-ton helicopters, expanding support for air-to-sea operations, logistics missions, and humanitarian assistance.
LD-603 Specifications
- Length: 124 meters
- Beam: 21.8 meters
- Standard displacement: 7,200 tons
- Maximum speed: 16 knots
- Operational range: 9,360 nautical miles
- Endurance: 30 days
- Personnel capacity: Up to 680 personnel
These capabilities allow the vessel to support amphibious warfare, military transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR), and logistics operations across the Philippine archipelago and beyond.
Supply Chain Challenges During Construction
During the launching ceremony, PT PAL President Director and CEO Kaharuddin Djenod said construction of the new LPDs experienced schedule adjustments due to global supply chain disruptions linked to recent geopolitical developments. Despite these challenges, the successful launch keeps the program moving toward delivery and reflects continued defence-industrial cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines.
Philippine Military Highlights Operational Role
Senior military officials from both countries attended the ceremony, including Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Quiatchon and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan.
Vice Admiral Quiatchon said the improved LPD will significantly strengthen the Philippine Navy's ability to transport troops, military equipment, and logistics while supporting amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) missions, and power projection, including operations beyond Philippine waters.
He also praised the performance of the Philippine Navy's existing Indonesian-built LPDs and expressed interest in expanding future cooperation with PT PAL.
Regarding the ship's defensive capabilities, Quiatchon said the Philippine Navy has not yet finalized the selection of sensors and weapon systems. However, the current design includes provisions for the future installation of a 76mm main gun and Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) to support the vessel's multi-mission operational requirements.
Lieutenant General Roldan described the launch as an important step in the AFP modernization program, noting that the additional landing platform docks will help meet growing operational demands while strengthening defence cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia and supporting regional peace and stability.
Delivery Scheduled Later This Year
Following the launch, LD-603 will remain at PT PAL's Surabaya shipyard for final outfitting, harbor acceptance tests, and sea acceptance trials before being delivered to the Philippine Navy later in 2026.
Construction of the fourth vessel, BRP Leyte (LD-604), is continuing and is expected to reach its launch milestone in the near future. Once both ships enter service, they will further expand the Philippine Navy's amphibious transport fleet with improved capacity and operational flexibility based on lessons learned from the first two Tarlac-class vessels.
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