The Philippine Navy (PN) is still looking to acquire two more "Pohang"-class corvettes to add to its fleet, an official said Wednesday.
"Yes, the PN is 'looking and hoping' for two more 'Pohang' vessels to ensure that we have at least three ships in its class and it was clear in a message delivered by the FOIC (Flag-Officer-In-Command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad) and the SND (Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana) himself," Navy acting spokesperson, Capt. Henry Quinto told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The PN has recently acquired BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), the "Chungju" of the Republic of Korean Navy, which arrived in the country on August 18.
During the arrival ceremonies last Tuesday at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor, both Empedrad and Lorenzana expressed hope that the South Korean government will give at least two more "Pohang"-class corvettes to boost the PN fleet.
Quinto said an addition of two more ships is to ensure that one ship is always on patrol while one is to undergo training with its crew and in reserve.
"Pohang"-class corvettes, especially those designated as Flight II, are optimized for anti-submarine warfare missions.
The ship is armed with two 76mm Oto Melara automatic guns, two Oto Breda 40mm light cannons, two triple torpedo tubes and surveillance systems like radar and sonar.
BRP Conrado Yap was formally turned over and commissioned to the PN last August 5 during short ceremonies at Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon City, South Korea. The corvette and her escort, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) departed the South Korean facility last August 12 for their voyage home which ended early morning last Sunday.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078431
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