DND, Navy approves delivery of BRP Antonio Luna

The Department of National Defense and Philippine Navy accepted and approved the delivery of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) - the country’s second new-built missile frigate.

In a Friday statement, the Navy said sea trials and a ship inspection were held at the Hyundai Heavy Industries facility in South Korea from January 25 to 29, 2021.

Afterward, the head of the joint DND-PN inspection team and DND defense procurement service chief Leodegario Dela Paz found Hyundai compliant with all its deliverables and obligations.

Navy inspectors also declared FF151 built according to agreed technical specifications.

Rear Admiral Alberto Carlos said FF151 “performed remarkably well” in the series of harbor and sea trials from September to December last year.

“[W]e are happy to report that the HHI has provided additional equipment and sustainment items, more training activities, and ship design improvements, which are over and above its contractual obligations,” Carlos said.

FF151 would sail out of Ulsan, South Korea on February 5 and arrive in Subic on February 10.

The delivery of FF151 is a month ahead of the contractual delivery date of March 6.

BRP Antonio Luna is the country's second missile-capable frigate after BRP Jose Rizal.

The two frigates enhanced the capability of Filipino troops to secure the country's maritime territory. — DVM, GMA News