16 Agustus 2020
FF-151 BRP Antonio Luna on sea trials (photo : MaxDefense)
The future Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) was spotted conducting sea trials on August 12 in Ulsan, South Korea.
MaxDefense Philippines posted a photo showing “Jose Rizal-class frigate Antonio Luna (FF-151) conducting sea trials off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea last Wednesday 12 August 2020.”
“The photo came from a community member who is a commercial ship crew,” MaxDefense added.
According to Philippine Navy Flag Officer-on-Command Vice Admiral Giovnni Carlo Bacordo, “we are expecting FF-151 January or February 2021, still ahead of the delivery date per contract, which is March 2021.”
MaxDefense said according to “sources that the FOIC’s estimated arrival schedule is actually conservative and there is still possibility for HHI to deliver the frigate before year end, depending on the situation and because this is beneficial for HHI.”
Moreover, the Philippine Fleet said the pioneering crew of future BRP Antonio Luna “is scheduled for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training facilitated by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) at South Korea starting Monday, Aug 17, 2020.”
(Mintfo)