Soon-to-be acquired frigates from SK, a smaller version of Incheon class

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25): Soon-to-be acquired frigates from SK, a smaller version of Incheon class

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the winner of the Philippine missile firing frigate program, said the two ships they will supply are a smaller version of their Incheon class.

The latter are the most-up-to date coastal defense frigates of the South Korean Navy and programmed to replace ageing fleet of Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and take over multi-role operations such as coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport support.

In a statement Monday, the South Korean shipbuilder said the Filipino frigates will be constructed using good marine standard under naval rule from Lloyd Register, classification society.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI officials formally signed the contract for the ships at the Philippine Navy headquarters, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila last October 24.

As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of USD336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.

The 107 meter frigates, which are expected to weigh 2,600 gross tons, to be propelled with CODAD (combined diesel and diesel) propulsion system with maximum speed of 25 knots can cover a 4,500 nautical miles range at cruising speed of 15 knots.

These ships will inherit the enhanced survivability, seakeeping and maneuvering capability of her mother ship operable up to Sea State 5.

It will be armed with missiles, torpedo, guns and sensors controlled by the latest combat management system are capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare.

The frigates are scheduled to be handed starting from 2020.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=934418