The KRI Prabu Siliwangi (hull number 321) conducted a combat readiness exercise on Tuesday by firing its OTO 127-millimeter Vulcano main gun in a structural test, as a part of its sea going trials, the Navy said in a press release.

The test was the initial firing of the 127-mm main gun to test the ship’s weapon systems and structure. The test also marks the first time the Navy has operated a large-caliber gun over 120 mm.

The Vulcano main gun system weighs some 33 tonnes and can fire all standard 127-mm/5-inch ammunition, maker Leonardo said in its technical data sheet. It can shoot about 30 rounds per minute with a maximum range of 100 kilometers.

Leonardo advertises the naval gun as ITAR-free, in reference to the United States Department of State-regulated International Traffic in Arms Regulation, which limits the use and distribution of US-made weapon systems or those using US-made parts and components.  

Previously, the Dutch-built 84-meter Fatahillah-class corvettes carried the largest guns in the Indonesian Navy, Swedish-made Bofors 120-mm naval guns.

Structural firing was conducted to ensure the ship structure’s strength and response to load and vibrations from firing. The test was also held to verify the readiness of ship’s weapon systems in mechanical, electrical and safety aspects, the Navy said.

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