Launching refers to the shipbuilding milestone where the ship leaves the dry dock and enters the water for the first time
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on March 28 announced that the prospective guided-missile corvette BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) was formally launched at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on Thursday.
In a statement, AFP said the launch was attended by AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., Navy commander Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Defense Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison, and HD HHI chief executive officer Lee Sang Kyun.
„The BRP Diego Silang, named after the Filipino revolutionary hero, is the sister ship of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which also departed Korea on Thursday and is expected to arrive at the Subic Shipyard on April 8,“ the statement read.
Both guided-missile corvettes are equipped with a variety of weapons and sensors that can be used against anti-surface, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare.
The Department of National Defense and HD HHI signed the PHP28-billion contract for the two ships on Dec. 28, 2021.
Corvettes, which usually weigh 1,000 to 2,500 gross tons, are the smallest naval surface ships capable of dealing with submarines and other maritime threats.
They are followed in size and weaponry by frigates and destroyers.
The two ships will serve as backstops for the guided missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).
„These warships significantly enhance the country’s naval capabilities amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea. The addition of these two 3,200-ton corvettes reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with South Korea,“ the AFP said. (PNA)
