Navy says frigate controversy has not delayed procurement process

April 5, 2018

Despite the controversy surrounding the frigate acquisition project, the Philippine Navy assures that its procurement process is not delayed.

Capt. Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy spokesman, said the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) of the Frigate Acquisition Project led by Commodore Alberto Carlos has approved the critical design review of the project last March 23, 2018.

"The TIAC acceptance marks a significant step forward and a major milestone for the said project which consists of the approval of 71 critical detailed design drawings as submitted by the winning shipbuilder of the frigates, the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI),” he said.

“These drawings shall then be the basis of HHI to proceed with earnest with the project,” he added.

Lincuna said TIAC acceptance will be followed by the steel cutting ceremony that will symbolize the start of construction of the frigates.

“The next significant milestone will now be the ceremonial steel cutting which will likely be held on April 30, 2018 at HHI Complex, Ulsan, South Korea to be attended by a delegation from Department of National Defense and Philippine Navy to mark this important milestone,” he said.

“The completion of the review phase and the start of the steel cutting show that Frigate Acquisition Project is now moving forward without delays in accordance with the stipulations of the contract,” said Lincuna.

“The two missile frigates are expected to be delivered in 2020 which will cement the Philippine Navy’s vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy that our maritime nation will be proud of,” he added.

It can be recalled the contract agreement for the construction of two newly-built 2,600 ton frigates that are missile capable and equipped with sensors and systems for modern naval warfare under the FAP was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of procuring entity, and Kisun Chung, vice president/owner of HHI on October 24, 2016.

“The two warships will certainly enhance the capability of the Philippine Navy to guard the Philippine maritime territory and its Exclusive Economic Zone,” said Lincuna. Robina Asido/DMS