Philippine Navy’s first missile-capable warship arrives in Subic

The country's first missile-capable warship arrived in Subic, Zambales, after a 5-day maiden journey from South Korea, the Philippine Navy announced Saturday.

The FF150 will be named BRP Jose Rizal once it is commissioned to service.

Earlier on Saturday, frigate Jose Rizal was accorded the traditional passing honors with another Navy vessel, the BRP Quezon, and three multipurpose assault crafts.

Commander Offshore Combat Force Commodore Karl Decapia, who presided over the warship's arrival, said the FF150 "signals the realization of a modern navy" that is capable of imposing its territorial defense mandate.

The Navy said that, while at anchor, the sailing crew will undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine as part of government health protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The new warship has a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles, the Navy said, and has successfully undergone sea trials and sea acceptance test.

This is the first of the two frigates contracted under Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan city, South Korea.

It was supposed to be delivered late April but was delayed due to the pandemic.

The second frigate, to be christened BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), is expected to be delivered by the end of this year, the Navy said.