Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 19) – The Philippine Navy announced on Monday the country’s first missile-capable warship has started to sail to the country shortly after a send-off ceremony in South Korea on May 18. It is expected to arrive home on May 23.
“The Philippine Navy, through its strategic sail plan, has identified this 2020 as its banner year for being a strong and credible Navy manifested through the arrival of its brand new and first ever multi-mission capable warship that, truly, our maritime nation can be proud of,” said the Philippine Navy in a statement.
The ship, which will be named BRP Jose Rizal in its commissioning, was sent off in a ceremony yesterday at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
Delegates from the Philippine Navy, HHI’s Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division, and Hanwha Systems graced the simple sail-off ceremony for the frigate.
The two South Korean companies also donated COVID-19 relief supplies to the Philippine Navy.
When it arrives in the country, the future BRP Jose Rizal is expected to dock in the Subic Anchorage Area, Zambales where its crew will first undergo the 14-day mandatory quarantine period prior the ship’s technical inspection and low-key acceptance ceremony.
The vessel will be focused in conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.
The warship possesses a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.
This ship was supposed to be delivered by end of April, but this was delayed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The future BRP Jose Rizal is the first of the two frigates contracted by the Philippine Navy under HHI. The second warship, to be named BRP Antonio Luna upon commissioning, is expected to be delivered to the country by year-end.
The new frigate is a welcome addition to the Philippine Navy as the country is currently embroiled in a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
