According to a tweet published by Kimo dial on February 28, 2023, negotiations are reportedly underway between the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and Algerian Prime Minister Tebboune regarding the purchase of a new frigate and a new LPD.
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Amphibious transport dock Kalaat Beni Abbes. (Picture source: Fincantieri)
The Algerian naval forces already have the amphibious transport dock Kalaat Beni Abbes built by Fincantieri but also three Lerici-class minehunters from Intermarine.
About the LPD Kalaat Beni Abbes
Kalaat Beni Abbes (L-474) is an amphibious transport dock of the Algerian National Navy. It was built by the Italian firm Fincantieri as an enlarged and improved version of the San Giorgio class.
The ship measures 143 metres (469 ft) long overall, with a length between perpendiculars of 127.6 metres (419 ft) and a beam of 21.5 metres (71 ft). Its displacement is 8,800 tonnes (8,700 long tons), and the draught is 5.3 metres (17 ft).
The propulsion system consists of 2 x diesel engines Wärtsilä 12V32 12,000 kW (16,000 hp), which can provide a maximum speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph). The ship has a range of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km; 8,100 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).
The ship has a continuous flight deck with two deck-landing spots for helicopters at the bow and stern. It also has an opening dock to the rear which allows it to launch up to three landing craft.
The port side of the ship has davits which are able to launch three landing craft, and two fast boats for commandos. The ship can also carry 15 heavy tanks and house 440 soldiers plus 150 crew. Additionally, the ship carries a 60-bed hospital and operating theaters.
The vessel is continuously assisted by three craft also built by Fincantieri, named Chaland, which can each carry a heavy tank or a maximum of 140 personnel.
The ship is fitted with an EMPAR radar for detecting long-range threats, and 16 Aster 15 missiles in two vertical A-50 launchers, as well as a 76 mm turret and two Oerlikon KBA 25x137 mm cannons that can be used for defence against aircraft or surface targets. The vessel also has a complete electronic warfare suite provided by Thales and Elettronica, linked to two SCLAR-H Oto-Melara decoy launchers.
