HD Hyundai launches first coast guard ship for PH

The 2,400-ton ship will be delivered to Manila next year.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has launched the first of six coastal patrol ships ordered by the Philippines for its coastal forces.

In a statement, HD Hyundai said the 2,400-ton Philippine offshore patrol ship Raja Sulayman, named after a Filipino hero, is the second export ship launched this year. This follows Diego Silang, the second Philippine patrol ship launched in March.

The new vessel has a length of 94 metres, a width of 14 metres, a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h), and a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km). It is equipped with weapon systems such as a 76 mm gun, a 30 mm secondary gun, a decoy launching system, search radar, and electro-optical tracking equipment.

This is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippine Navy in March next year after undergoing sea trials and final assembly.

HD Hyundai plans to build five follow-up ships and deliver them sequentially by 2028.