HD Hyundai Heavy Industries successfully launched the first of the six offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Philippine Navy.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 11th that it held a launching ceremony for the 2,400-ton Philippine offshore patrol vessel RAJAH SULAYMAN at its headquarters in Ulsan. This marks the second export vessel launch this year, following the launch of the Philippine patrol vessel Diego Silang in March.
The RAJAH SULAYMAN is a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel measuring 94 meters in length, 14 meters in width, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (about 28 km/h) and a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km). It is equipped with weapons systems such as a 76mm main gun, a 30mm secondary gun, a countermeasure launch system, search radar, and electronic optical tracking equipment.
This vessel is named after the hero RAJAH SULAYMAN, who defended Manila against foreign invasions in the 16th century. The RAJAH SULAYMAN is expected to be delivered to the Philippine Navy in March of next year after undergoing sea trials and final outfitting.
Joo Won-ho, head of the special ship business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, "We have successfully launched the first vessel among the total of six offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Philippines," and noted, "We plan to actively support the successful completion of the Philippine military modernization project in the future."