A computer image of a frigate Hyundai Heavy Industries will build for the Philippines. Image courtesy HHI

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries is to build two frigates for the Philippine navy under a contract with the country's Department of National Defense.

The frigates will be designed to be a smaller light combatant and successor to the Incheon-class frigate which is now in active service with South Korea's navy, HHI said.


They will be 107 meters long, have a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.

Weaponry will include missiles, torpedoes and guns with sensors controlled by the latest combat management system.

The frigates are scheduled to be handed over to the Philippine navy beginning in 2020, HHI said.