2 PN missile corvettes off the drawing board

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries has started manufacturing two missile corvettes worth P28 billion procured by the Philippine Navy, Capt. Benjo Negranza said yesterday.

Navy flag officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., and other ranking officials recently witnessed the keel laying for its first missile corvette and the steel cutting for its second missile corvette in South Korea's southeastern city of Ulsan.

"These ships will definitely boost the naval defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy, adding value to its thrust of becoming a modern and multi-capable navy," he stressed.

"Once completed, the ship is geared to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and systems that can address various maritime security situations," he added.

Corvettes can attack air, sea, and submarine targets while working together or independently of other marine military vessels.

The Navy announced the acquisition of the two missile corvettes and two offshore patrol vessels last September. Delivery for the corvettes is in 2025-2026, while for the patrol vessels, it will be in 2026 and 2028.

Hyundai Heavy Industries secured the contract on 28 December 2021.