Missile-armed frigates to patrol West PH SeaBy DEMPSEY REYEShome/News/Nation/Missile-armed frigates to patrol West PH SeaULSAN, South Korea: The Philippine Navy launched on Thursday its two missile-armed frigates, which will be deployed to patrol the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). BRP Jose Rizal had its keel laid in October 2018, which signified the start of the ship’s construction. Acquired from South Korean-based HHI, both ships measure 351-foot long and 46-foot wide and have maximum speed of 25 knots. It can patrol the West Philippine Sea, even the Philippine Rise. Empedrad said the Navy had plans to acquire 25 to 30 ships in the next five to 10 years, including corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and submarines.

Source: Manila Times May 23, 2019 16:41 UTC