Hanwha Systems to supply CMS for Philippine Navy's OPVs

A computer-generated image of the OPV that is being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Philippine Navy. Hanwha Systems has secured a contract to provide its combat management system (CMS) and tactical datalink (TDL) for the OPV. (Hyundai Heavy Industries)

South Korea's Hanwha Systems has secured a contract worth USD34.5 million to supply its combat management system (CMS) and tactical datalink (TDL) for the Philippine Navy's new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Under the contract, Hanwha Systems will provide CMSs worth USD29.5 million and TDLs worth USD5 million for the six 2,400 tonne OPVs that the Philippine Navy will acquire, the company said in a media release on 12 May.

Hanwha Systems' CMS will integrate the various sensors, weapons, and communication systems of the OPVs, and facilitate quick and appropriate response from defence forces by enhancing their ability to analyse any situation or environment, the company said. The TDL will support communication of tactical information in real time, Hanwha Systems added.

Hanwha Systems had not responded to Janes request for more information at the time of publication.

According to HHI, the new OPVs will be 94.4 m long, 14.3 wide, with a maximum speed of 22 kt, and a cruising speed of 15 kt.

The maximum range of the OPVs will be 5,500 n mile. The vessels will be equipped with a 76 mm naval gun in the primary position and two 30 mm secondary guns. The OPVs will also have a flight deck that can accommodate one helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).