Damen and Terma partner to equip Colombian PES frigate with C-Guard system

October 8, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has signed a contract with Danish defence technology company Terma for the supply of the C-Guard decoy launching system, to be installed on the PES frigate currently under construction for the Colombian Navy.

The agreement includes the delivery of Terma’s C-Guard system, which is expected to enhance the frigate’s survivability. The system features advanced anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) modules, designed to protect the ship against a wide range of incoming threats.

“We are pleased to integrate Terma’s advanced C-Guard system into the PES frigate,” said Jasper Oreel, Project Director at Damen Naval.

“Its proven performance and modular configuration are a strong match for the mission versatility of the SIGMA 10514 platform. We look forward to successful project execution and continued cooperation with Terma.”

“We are proud of the relationship and trust received by Damen Naval and we welcome the opportunity to work even closer, not only with Damen Naval but also the Colombian Navy,” said Martin T Jentsch, Sales Director, Naval Sales at Terma.

“With the selection of Terma’s C-Guard decoy system, this platform has opted for a future proof round agnostics and automatic countermeasure system, with more than 150 systems in operation.”

The PES frigate is the Colombian Navy’s first locally built frigate, developed under a partnership between Damen Naval and COTECMAR. Based on Damen’s SIGMA 10514 design, the ship will measure around 107 meters and displace about 2,800 tons, featuring advanced multi-mission capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.

Key systems will include Saab’s 9LV combat management system, Sea Giraffe 4A radar, BAE Systems’ Bofors 40 Mk4 gun, and Terma’s C-Guard decoy launcher, among others. Construction will take place at COTECMAR’s Cartagena shipyard with delivery expected around 2030, marking a major milestone in Colombia’s naval industrial autonomy.