BRP Jose Rizal Frigate Sets Sail for Philippines

19 Mei 2020

BRP Jose Rizal frigate (photo : HHI)

In a sail-off ceremony conducted in Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, the Philippine Navys missile-capable warship, which will be christened BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) during its commissioning, finally sets sail for the Philippines today, May 18, 2020.

The sail-off for the departing ship was conducted through a simple ceremony attended by delegates from the Philippine Navy (PN), HHIs Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division and Hanwha Systems, while adhering to the South Korean governments measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease. During the ceremony, representatives from HHI and Hanwha Systems also donated COVID-19 relief supplies for the PN which were received by Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to Republic of Korea, Capt. Armil M. Angeles.

The frigate is expected to arrive in Subic Anchorage Area, Zambales on May 23 where its crew will first undergo the 14-day mandatory quarantine period prior the ship’s technical inspection and low-key acceptance ceremony.

PN with the arrival of said vessel will have its first ever multi-mission capable frigate capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations. With a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles, the frigate has successfully undergone sea trials and sea acceptance test.

The first of the two frigates contracted under HHI was supposed to be delivered by third or fourth week of April this year but was extended due to travel restrictions as result of the pandemic. The second frigate, to be christened BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), is expected to be delivered by end of this year.

The Philippine Navy, through its strategic sail plan, has identified this 2020 as its banner year for being a strong and credible Navy manifested through the arrival of its brand new and first ever multi-mission capable warship that, truly, our maritime nation can be proud of.

(Phil Navy)