Hyundai Heavy Industries to start construction of 2nd corvette for Philippine Navy in November.

According to information published by the Philippine News Agency on October 2, 2023, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has announced that the Philippine Navy will receive its first missile corvette in 2025, with the second one following in 2026.
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Artist rendering of the future Philippine Navy's corvette. (Picture source: HHI)

The company shared updates about the vessels' construction timelines, noting that the first corvette's foundational phase started in May 2023. The significant step of steel cutting, which marks the beginning of warship construction, has taken place, and the first block of the ship will be laid by this November. Meanwhile, the construction of the second corvette is scheduled to begin in the same month.

Last year, a pivotal contract worth PHP 28 billion was inked, focusing on the procurement of these two advanced corvettes. Designed for superior anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare operations, these vessels boast enhanced capabilities compared to the Jose Rizal-class frigates.

The upcoming corvettes will work alongside the Philippine Navy's existing two Jose Rizal-class frigates, further strengthening the nation's maritime defense arsenal.

Technical data

The new corvettes will have a displacement of 3,100 tons, a length of 116 meters, and a width of 14.6 meters. They will be capable of cruising at a speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h) and will have a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km).

The ships will be equipped with anti-ship missiles, a Vertical Launch System (VLS), and an AESA radar which offers enhanced anti-air detection capabilities.