Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars allow radar beams to move around electronically. This helps vessels send out strong radar signals while staying hidden as the signals cover a wide range of frequencies.
The South Korean shipbuilder will construct the two corvettes with AESA radars, missiles, and vertical launchers for the Philippines' defense forces. The ships can reach a speed of 20 knots, with a maximum total range of 4,500 miles (8,330 kilometers). After their launch in 2024, the 3600-ton class corvettes will be delivered to the Philippine Navy by 2025.
"HD Hyundai Heavy is contributing to our Navy's modernization and ship maintenance project," Philippine Navy Chief Toribio Adaci Jr. said in a statement on November 22. The top commander of the Southeast Asian country's naval forces added that the South Korean ship manufacturer will also be involved in training, technology transfer, and upgrading the performance of conventional vessels for its maritime forces.
"We are confident that our ships will cruise the waters near the Philippines and become a milestone symbolizing the relations with South Korea established during the Korean War," said Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai's Special Ship Business Division. Previously, HD Hyundai secured orders for maintenance and repair projects for two frigates delivered to the Philippine Navy in 2020 and 2021.
During the Korean conflict (1950~1953), the Philippines deployed 7,420 soldiers to the Korean Peninsula, with more than 110 Filipino soldiers losing their lives and over 300 being injured. The official diplomatic relationship between the two nations was tied in 1949.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
