Deals of Two 2,600-ton Frigates
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. (HHI), the world’s largest shipbuilder, has won a 370 billion won (US$326.57 million) deal to build two frigates in the Republic of the Philippines.
The company signed a contract to build two 2,600-ton frigates with the Department of National Defense of the Philippines in a ceremony in Manila on October 24, attended by 20 officials including Chung Ki-sun, head of the vessel and marine business division at HHI, Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines, and Kim Jae-shin, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines.
Under the deal, HHI will build the multi-purpose combat ships, each 107 meters long and 12 meters wide. Since the naval vessels will propelled with the propulsion system for a maximum speed of 25knots (46km/h) capable of covering a 4,500 nautical miles range at cruising speed of 15 knots, they can make an inspection far out to the sea.
In particular, the frigates will be designed to have a superior operational capability and survivability against volatile sea conditions of the Philippines, such as typhoon and tropical climate, and to integrate the proven combat system and seakeeping capability of the 3,000-ton Incheon class frigate which is now in active service for the Republic of Korea Navy.
The frigates heavily armed with various weapon systems, including 76mm guns, missiles, torpedo and helicopters, are capable of carrying out operations at sea, air, and under waters.
The Department of National Defense of the Philippines gave HHI high marks for its wide experience in successfully building Korean-style frigates including Incheon class frigate.
The shipbuilder will deliver the frigates one by one to the Department of National Defense of the Philippines by 2020.