Philippine Navy Upgrades to Deliver New Missiles Guided by Converted Corvette in 2025

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is set to deliver two missile corvettes ordered by the Philippine Navy (PN) by 2025, with the second one scheduled for delivery in 2026.

HHI announced that the work schedule for the construction of the two missile corvettes proceeded as planned, with the first corvette set to be laid down in May 2023 and the first steel-cutting scheduled for November this year. The Department of National Defense (DND) signed a PHP 28-billion contract with HHI for the acquisition of two brand-new corvettes for the PN on December 27, 2021.

Hyundai Heavy Industries’ HDC-3100 corvette design, also known as the HDF-3100 frigate design, will serve as the backbone for the Philippine Navy’s future frigate fleet. These ships will replace the two Navy’s Jose Rizal-class frigates, also constructed by HHI. The HDF-3100 design is an improved version of the HDF-2600, which was used for the Jose Rizal-class frigates. It features a length of 116 meters, a breadth of 14.8 meters, and a displacement of 3,100 tons, with a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion configuration capable of achieving a maximum speed in excess of 25 knots and a range of up to 4,500 nautical miles.

The vessel is equipped with a 76mm naval gun in an A-position, a 16-cell VLS behind the primary naval gun, torpedo launchers on both port and starboard sides, and a gun-based close-in weapon system (CIWS) aboard the helicopter hangar. The space for the vertical launching system has been lengthened to accommodate a 16-cell system, and the helicopter deck also appears to have been designed to allow larger helicopter operations.

South Korea’s defense company Hanwha Systems has been contracted by HHI to supply the new corvettes’ combat management system (CMS). The UK-based defense company SEA has been contracted by HHI to supply the tactical launch systems (TLS) for the new corvettes, with SEA delivering two of their TLS systems for each of the corvettes.

In conclusion, Hyundai Heavy Industries is making significant progress in the construction of two missile corvettes for the Philippine Navy, with the first one expected to be delivered by 2025. These modern corvettes will enhance the Philippines’ naval capabilities and contribute to the country’s maritime defense.