PN’s first missile-capable frigate sets sail for Philippines from South Korea

May 19, 2020

The Philippine Navy's first missile-capable frigate finally set sail for Philippines after a ceremony in South Korea on Monday.

Lt. Commander Christina Roxas, acting public affairs director, Philippine Navy, said the sail-off ceremony for the Philippine Navy’s missile-capable warship, which will be christened BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) during its commissioning was conducted at Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan.

"The sail-off for the departing ship was conducted through a simple ceremony attended by delegates from the Philippine Navy, HHI’s Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division and Hanwha Systems, while adhering to the South Korean government’s measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease", she said.

"During the ceremony, representatives from HHI and Hanwha Systems also donated COVID-19 relief supplies for the PN which were received by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to Republic of Korea, Capt. Armil M. Angeles," she added.

Roxas said the frigate is expected to arrive in Subic Anchorage Area in Zambales on May 23 where its crew will undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine period prior the ship’s technical inspection and low-key acceptance ceremony.

"PN with the arrival of said vessel will have its first ever multi-mission capable frigate capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations," she said.

"With a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles, the frigate has successfully undergone sea trials and sea acceptance test," she added.

Roxas said the first of the two frigates contracted under HHI was to be delivered by third or fourth week of April but it was extended due to travel restrictions as result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The second frigate, to be christened BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), is expected to be delivered by end of this year," she said. Robina Asido/DMS