SHAH ALAM: Keeping up with the Joneses. The Philippines has ordered two new corvettes from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), it was announced on Dec. 28 in Manila. Under the deal worth US$556 million (RM2.3 billion), the HHI is expected to deliver both ships by 2026.
Although described as corvettes, the new warships for the Philippine Navy is bigger than the two Jose Rizal frigates also built by HHI which are 107-meter long and weigh around 2,600 tons. The new corvettes will have a 3,200-ton displacement and 116-meter long.
With a maximum speed of 25 knots, the corvettes will have a 16-cell vertical launching system (VLS), eight SSMs, a 35mm close-in weapon system (CIWS), a 76mm main gun, two three-tube torpedo launchers and an AESA radar. The above are almost the same for the Jose Rizal frigates apart from the the CIWS and an extra eight launchers for the SAM, which are not fitted on the latter. It is unclear whether the new corvettes will have the SAMs.
Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was quoted by the Philippines News Agency as saying that they were happy to sign the contract this year despite delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are finally signing the contract, the last phase of the procurement process. For a total approved budget of PHP28 billion, this project will give the PN two modern corvettes that are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare missions,” he added.
Lorenzana said acquiring the two corvettes from HHI, where the two Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigates, will ensure commonality and interoperability.
The two ships will also serve as backstops for the two frigates now in commission with the PN.
“With a common shipbuilder for all our naval platforms, we expect ease of maintenance and repairs,” the DND chief added.
Lorenzana also said he is commending HHI for being an active and reliable partner in the modernization program of the PN.
“Like the two frigates which were built in record time, we expect this acquisition project will likewise run smoothly,” he added.
The Philippines will pay 15 per cent of the contract price as payment following the contract signing with the rest of the funds to be paid in stages.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (18)
Wow many money for Philippines. I Read also from Lorenzana speech that they are waiting for the released on the budget for 32 blackhawk and 6 OPV from Austal.
I will write about the Black Hawks and OPV once the contracts are signed
Looking at the pricetag of RM 1.2Bil per boat, it will likely just be another FFBNW from the onset much like JR class; the SAMs would be later when needed. Case in point the JR class cost RM 1.4 Bil.
What could have been right? 2 3200 tonnes 'corvettes' for under 600m usd..with aesa radar,a ciws and 75mm gun nonetheless compared to our 3100 tonnes 'frigate' with 57mm gun haha..If we take this phillipines way..6 ships can be procured for less than 2 billion usd/rm 8 billion with ensured delivery on time
These new corvettes for Philippines Navy is actually a little bit bigger than our own Maharajalela Gowind LCS. At 556 million dollars for 2 ships, it is way cheaper than the Maharajalelas, or even the smaller FFBNW Kedahs class OPVs, although what weapons is included at that low price is not confirmed.
As you know of the koreans, being on time is actually considered a failure. These ships will probably be in the water before any of our maharajalelas will be.
@Jun
In the past, their security concerns were internal rather than external. With emergence of China, they now need to turn outwards hence the significant buys in the past decades. This is the same as well for us, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore.
@Firdaus
If we took the Pinoy way, we'd end up with more Kedah type FFBNW ships rather than fully kitted out LCS. In that sense, why not just add more Kedahs instead.
Initial fund for the additional Blackhawks was already released by their Finance ministry. Seems the initial fund for Brahmos was released also. Election tactics?
No lah, the president cannot contest for a second term. The modernisation programme started in 2014 under the previous president.
@joe
Unlike the JR class, this will not be FFBNW as notably, the VLS and CIWS will be included. There is also a second budget for the munitions.
There is no comparison
We have spent RM6 billion and got nothing
"As you know of the koreans, being on time is actually considered a failure."
The Koreans are competent but progress will also depend on the timing of payments by the customer.
Its reported the Philippines also contracting to purchase the Brahmos
Yes contract not signed yet