HD Hyundai closes deal with the Philippine Navy over additional frigates
The South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is inching closer into sealing a deal with the Philippine Navy over the vessels under the Frigate Acquisition Project, sources said through an MTN report.
According to this same report, both sides are now in negotiation phase and is now on the process of finalizing the deal for the acquisition of two (2) additional frigates with at least 3,000 tons. The description suggests that it will be another set of orders for the HDF-3200 design, primarily the basis for the Miguel Malvar-class frigate.
This order comes as both eleventh (11th) and twelfth (12th) order of the Philippine Navy from the South Korean shipbuilding entity, whereby the first ten (10) orders comprise of two (2) Jose Rizal-class frigate, two (2) Miguel Malvar-class frigate, and six (6) Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
Accordingly, the reports indicate of the satisfiable performance of the ships before the Philippine Navy’s leadership, specifically the first successful missile firing of the SSM-700K C-Star antiship missile against a target during the 2024 Balikatan joint exercises between the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces.
Given the performance of the ships provided by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to the Philippine Navy and the speedy delivery of the vessels before the agreed contract date, both parties is highly expected to get the contract for the two (2) additional frigates finalized before the month of December this year.
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