A South Korean shipbuilding company has started the manufacture of two missile corvettes that were procured by the government for the Philippine Navy as part of the modernization program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., together with HD HHI Senior Executives and the Team Leader of Philippine Navy Owner’s Representatives in HD HHI, during the Keel Laying Ceremony for Philippine Navy Corvette Nr. 1. (photo: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries through Philippine Navy)
Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy, led the steel-cutting and keel-laying ceremony at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) Shipyard in Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
“The Steel Cutting Ceremony and the Keel Laying Ceremony of the Corvettes signify the start of the production process of the two Corvettes,” said Navy spokesman Capt. Benjo Negranza.
“These ships will definitely boost the naval defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy, adding value to its thrust of becoming a modern and multi-capable navy,” he added.
Corvettes can perform anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare operations. They can operate independently or work together with other modern warships within a Surface Action Group.
The acquisition of the two corvettes, worth P28 billion in total, is part of the modernization program which was awarded to the HD HII in December 2021.
The expected delivery of the two corvettes is in 2025 and 2026.
Negranza said once the building of the two corvettes is done, they will be equipped with with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and systems that can address various maritime security situations.
“The FOIC, PN’s attendance to this ceremony signifies the value of these capabilities in improving the defense posture of the Philippine Navy that ultimately contributes to the protection of the country’s sovereign rights and national maritime interests,” said Negranza.