Navy receives landing craft utility from South Korea

From the Business Mirror (Jul 1): Navy receives landing craft utility from South Korea

SOUTH Korea has become a generous donor of the military in the aftermath of the government’s sealing of a contract for the delivery of a squadron of FA-50 lead-in fighter jets.

Vice Adm. Jesus C. Millan disclosed that they have already received the landing craft utility (LCU) ship that South Korea has earlier promised to donate to the Armed Forces.

“It already arrived on May 30, but it has to undergo some machinery and equipment repairs. It’s only one and donated by South Korea. Once it becomes operational, it will boost our troop transport support, and humanitarian assistance and disaster-response capability,” he said.

The Navy chief refused to describe the status of the LCU pending its refurbishment before it goes into service for the Navy.

Millan said the government shouldered the LCU’s shipping cost, amounting to P16 million, while the repair cost may be as much as P26 million.

Millan said a brand-new LCU costs about P6 billion.

The Navy currently has five LCUs, but only three are operational at all times.

Aside from the ship, the South Korean government will also donate 16 rubber boats to the military, which it could use in its seaborne operations in Mindanao and in disaster response.

The military is awaiting the delivery of 12 brand-new fighter jets from South Korea, two of which are expected to be in the country before December.

Even before the fighter-jet deal’s signing in 2013, South Korea has already promised to donate some of its excess items to the Armed Forces, including a decommissioned Foohang Class corvette.

The delivery has been stalled following reports that China has been attempting to block the transfer to the country of the vessel, although reports also said that the corvette is already too old that it needs major repair before it can be turned over.

South Korea is also being looked upon as a possible source of two brand-new frigates that will be procured following the decision earlier of Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin to scuttle the plan to acquire an Italian Maestrale class frigate because it was second hand.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/navy-receives-landing-craft-utility-from-south-korea/