Hyundai Wins $337 Million Deal To Build Two Warships For Philippines

Philippines has awarded $337 million contract to South Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to build two modern warships for its Navy.

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) initiated the acquisition of the two battleships nearly three years ago to prompt the upgrade of the country's territorial defense capabilities. Having studied the documents presented by the companies eying the project, the country's Navy selected HHI's HDF-3000 multipurpose frigate design, Sputnik reported Tuesday.

The company was awarded a notice, signed by Philippines' Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, last Thursday. The actual contract is expected to be signed on September 12.

HDF-3000 class frigates constructed by HHI are about 115 meters long and 14 meters wide boasting a max speed of 35 miles per hour (56kmh). The ships are able to carry about 3,251 tons making it ideal to accommodate engines in combined diesel or gas machinery arrangements.

To incorporate the specified requirements of the Philippines Navy, HHI has made the necessary adjustments on its HDF-3000 design.

The new ships will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface and submarine threats, including a main 76mm gun, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles and ship-launched lightweight torpedoes.

The Philippine Navy's future battleship is expected to be showcased in the upcoming Asian Defence, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition & Conference from September 28 to 30, 2016.