The Philippine Navy has taken delivery of BRP Rajah Sulayman, the first of six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), more than five months ahead of schedule.
As per Monday’s press statement, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has just handed over the first-in-class 94m warship to the Philippine Navy; the second boat, BRP Rajah Lakandula, is also already in water and is undergoing sea trials.
The remaining four vessels in the class, being built at an estimated cost of about $95 million per ship, are all in varying stages of construction, with the final warship due to be commissioned into service in 2028.
The multi-mission OPVs come equipped with an acoustic detection suite for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations and a modular mission bay for maximum flexibility on a range of potential taskings. They displace 2,450 tonnes, are capable of up to 22 knots, and have a range of up to 5,500 nautical miles.
The HD HHI statement noted: “By delivering a state-of-the-art naval vessel on a significantly accelerated schedule, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been able to contribute to the Philippine Navy’s early force build-up.”
A company spokesman added: “The early delivery of the Philippine Navy’s OPV has demonstrated both HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ reliability and competitive edge in meeting delivery schedules.”
The firm won a dozen orders from the Philippine Navy when it commenced its modernisation programme back in 2016; it has delivered five ships to date, beginning with frigate BRP Jose Rizal, commissioned in 2020.
- You can read more details on the HD HHI website