Hyundai Heavy Industries Launches Filipino Frigate in S.Korea

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the Philippine Navy’s second missile-capable frigate ceremony held at the shipyard, Ulsan, South Korea, on November 8.

“The launching of the vessel, BRP Antonio Luna, completes the two-unit Frigate Acquisition Project of the Navy,” Navy Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Commander Ma. Christina Roxas, was quoted as saying by local media on Friday.

The first ship, BRP Jose Rizal, was launched this May. The boat is currently undergoing harbor trials.

The navy is expected to take the delivery of the first and second boat in May and October 2020, respectively. The frigates are equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missile and torpedoes. The vessels’ primary gun is 76mm super rapid gun while the secondary gun is a 30mm gun. It also has chaffs and decoys as defense against incoming missile.

Roxas said that both frigates are capable of engaging in the four dimensions of modern warfare: Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Electronic Warfare.

Each frigate is 107 meters long, with a speed of 25 knots and is capable of “sustained operational presence” or endurance at sea for a month.