Luzon

Biodata

History

The Luzon-class was developed through New Luzon Shipbuilding Company, which originated from the integration of shipyards controlled by the Fernando and Lopez families. The company initially produced the small, diesel-electric Mackerel-class submarine to accumulate submarine-building experience before its later naval expansion 77.

By the time the Luzon Navy formed three fleets, its Second Fleet was stationed at Manila to patrol the archipelago’s western coast and escort transport vessels through the Strait of Malacca 209.

The class became a major component of the Navy’s surface fleet. By the deployment of the Great Luzon task force, six Luzon-class amphibious assault ships were publicly known to be in service; one vessel, the Negros, had recently been commissioned 235. Luzon also exported one Luzon-class ship, the Kla, to the Siamese Navy 235.

Design and Capabilities

• Built as amphibious assault ships for the Luzon Navy.
• Operated alongside Manila-class frigates and supply ships in naval task forces 235.
• Supported Luzon’s west-coast patrol and Strait of Malacca escort mission through the Second Fleet 209.
• Formed part of the Navy’s rapid expansion alongside the larger Super Luzon-class assault ships 235.

Known Vessels

Service Record

• A Luzon-class vessel accompanied the Super Luzon-class lead ship Great Luzon, four Manila-class frigates, and four supply ships in a task force sailing from Panay Island toward the Strait of Malacca 235.
• The class contributed to a publicly known Luzon naval inventory of six Luzon-class amphibious assault ships, alongside one Super Luzon-class ship, fourteen Manila-class frigates, and fifteen supply ships 235.