The Algerian Navy’s new amphibious assault ship, Kalaat Beni-Abbes, was rolled out at Fincantieri’s Riva Trigoso shipyard on 8 January for transport by barge to the Muggiano shipyard in La Spezia for final fitting out.
Displacing 8,800 tonnes, the LPD is an enlarged design based on the Italian Navy’s amphibious transport dock, San Giusto. Equipped with a command-and-control capability, she will be able to accommodate more than 600 personnel, including 152 crew, flight deck detachment and embarked amphibious forces.
The stern dock will house three LCMs, with three LCVPs and another LCP carried on davits. There are two helicopter landing spots, with the aft one able to take an Augusta Westland 101. The ship also has a garage deck, accessed by side ramp, for up to 15 armoured vehicles. Armament includes an OTO Melara 76mm gun, two 25 mm guns, and an eight-cell Sylver VLS silo for Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles.
