BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) Undergoes Historic Sea Trials

22 November 2019

BRP Jose Rizal FF-150 (all photos : PN)

The first of the two units of multi-mission capable frigate of the Philippine Navy (PN), FF150, undergoes various sea trials from 23-27 Nov conducted by the technical crew of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The 351 by 46-feet frigate will sail towards the open waters off Ulsan, Busan and Mokpo in South Korea to measure its performance and general sea worthiness. Representatives from Lloyd Registry shall witness the activity to ensure that the ship’s construction has met the required standards.

This will be the last phase of construction prior the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines scheduled tentatively in April or May 2020. This will take place six months after the vessel was launched (to the water) for the first time at HHI Shipyard last May.

The Php8 billion warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the AFP that is poised to be the benchmark of PN’s transformation journey. This warship is capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Operations and it is fully equipped with Surface to Air and Surface to Surface Missiles, torpedoes, launchers and weapon systems.

The activity signifies that the PN is inching closer to its dream of acquiring highly capable warships. Its crew and maintenance personnel is currently undergoing training in ROK.

The ship provides leverage for the Navy’s bid of becoming stronger and more credible force that the Philippines as a maritime nation can be proud of.

(PN)