DILI, 26 october 2023 (TATOLI) – The operation of the Navy’s Jaco Class Patrol Vessel had been halted for some time, however with the maintenance process almost complete, the patrol boat is expected to resume operations soon.
The patrol vessel carries out a range of missions, including maritime patrol, and ocean surveillance to control and protect Timor-Leste marine life and underwater resources.
“The Jaco Class will soon resume its operation as its maintenance is almost complete,” said Minister of Defense, Pedro Klamar Fuik, on wednesday.
The Jaco Class is one of two vessels in need of repair, the other one is Betano Class.
“We hope that the condition of these two patrol vessels will be improved to support our Navy in patrolling and controlling our waters,” said Klamar Fuik.
The two ships were repaired by an Indonesian company, called Wikas.
According to the repair services agreement signed by the government and Wikas, the two patrol vessels were expected to be repaired within nine months.
“Nine months have passed and Wikas has asked for an extension. We have agreed to the extension request, but they have to give us reasons,” added Klamar Fuik.
The cost of the maintenance of both vessels is US$2 million taken from the General State Budget (GSB).
The Jaco Class is a class of two patrol boats operated by the Timor-Leste Defense Force’s Naval Component.
The boats were built in China to the Type 062 class gunboat (also known as the Shanghai II class design. The two boats are named Jaco and Betano and were commissioned into Timor-Leste service in late june 2010.
The Type 062 gunboat is a steel patrol boat/gunboat with a single deck and four propeller shafts. It is driven by four L-12V-180 diesel engines based on the M50F-3 engine from the USSR.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
