The two Jose Rizal class frigates
in Korea will be fitted with the necessary and modern munitions not only to
defend itself but to be a Philippine
Navy vessel which can demand respect from its peers in the region.
Philippine Navy (PN)
spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata just revealed that the two brand new
frigates will be fitted with the Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid Gun which is
an ideal weapon for the newly-launched BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's
first ever missile-armed frigate.
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| Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun (photo credit to owner) |
The Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun
has a high rate of fire and the ability to shoot down air targets like
missiles.
"It (the gun) is capable
of intercepting air targets to include missiles using special munitions,"
the Navy spokesperson told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Also,
the Super Rapid Gun has a faster rate of fire, around 120 rounds per minute,
compared to the current 76mm guns in the Philippine Navy inventory which is
only 80 rounds per minute.
These
slower-firing 76mm guns are fitting for the three Del Pilar-class offshore
patrol vessels (the former US Coast Guard Cutters and three Jacinto-class
patrol vessels.
Having
the Super Rapid Gun fitted to BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151)
-- currently being built in South Kores -- is ideal as PN personnel are already
trained in the maintenance of 76mm guns and compatible with the current
munition inventory.
"(And
the Super Rapid Gun is) within Approved Budget Contract for the (frigates'
weapons systems)," Zata said.
The
Philippines and South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) signed
a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates with another PHP2
billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition in October 2016.
The
two frigates, aside from the Oto Melare 76mm Super Rapid Gun will also be armed
with an Aselsan SMASH 30mm remote-controlled secondary cannon, anti-submarine
torpedoes and anti-air and ship missiles
The ships measure 351 feet long
and 46 feet wide and have a maximum speed of 25 knots and can travel up to
4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots and can sustain
operational presence for 30 days. It is also capable to withstand rough sea
conditions up to Sea State 7.
"Each frigate has a
complement of more than 100 officers and crew. It has a flight deck located at the
stern with the ability to handle one maritime helicopter weighing up to 12
tons. Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats will be carried to conduct military and
emergency operations at sea," Zata added.
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Report from PNA
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