PHL Navy’s first ‘highly capable’ warship to begin sea trials

The first of two “multi-mission capable” frigates acquired by the Philippine Navy is set to begin its sea trials on Saturday to ensure that it meets the required standards prior to its delivery to the Philippines.

In a statement, the Navy said the P8-billion BRP Jose Rizal will undergo sea trials from November 23 to 27, to be conducted by the technical crew of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and witnessed by representatives from Lloyd Registry.

The frigate will sail toward the open waters off Ulsan, Busan, and Mokpo in South Korea.

Above and below: the BRP Jose Rizal. Photos: Philippine Navy

“The activity signifies that the PN is inching closer to its dream of acquiring highly capable warships,” the Navy said.

The sea trials are the last phase of construction prior to the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines, scheduled tentatively for April or May 2020.

The vessel was first launched at the HHI Shipyard last May.

It is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations, and is fully equipped with surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, torpedoes, launchers, and weapon systems.

“The warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that is poised to be the benchmark of the Navy’s transformation journey,” the Navy said.

The crew and maintenance team for the frigate are likewise currently undergoing training. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News