Philippine Navy to receive Pohang corvette, AW159 Wildcat and KAAV by March 2019

One of the Leonardo AW159 Wildcat naval combat helicopters during tests in the UK. Photo c/o Kevin Wills.

In a chance interview, the Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad confirmed that they would be receiving new assets by March 2019.

Among those mentioned were a Pohang-class corvette from South Korea, two anti-submarine helicopters, and four of eight amphibious assault vehicles.

While the helicopter and assault vehicle were not named, it was previously reported to be the Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) AW159 Wildcat naval combat helicopter, and the Hanwha Systems (formerly Samsung Techwin) KAAV amphibious assault vehicle.

According to Vice Adm. Empedrad, Philippine Navy personnel are scheduled to leave for South Korea this month to undergo training in anticipation of the hand-over of a retired Pohang-class corvette previously operated by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). It was known that the ship is the former ROKS Chungju (PCC-762). He believe that the ship could be delivered between March and April 2019.

The AW159 Wildcat is among the world's most capable naval combat helicopters, and was ordered after Leonardo Helicopters won the PN's Anti-Submarine Helicopter Acquisition Project worth PHP 5.4 billion. It would be the Philippine Navy's most capable air asset, as it currently lack aircraft that has anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW).

The KAAV is a license-built copy of the American AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicle designed by BAE Systems and made by Hanwha Systems. It was ordered after Hanwha System's predecessor won the PN's Amphibious Assault Vehicle Acquisition Project worth PHP 2.42 billion. It is expected to be delivered to the Philippine Marine Corps. Another batch of four KAAV is expected for delivery within the year.

The ROKS Chungju is the second Pohang-class Flight III combat corvette of the ROKN. amd was confirmed for donation to the Philippines by the South Korean government as early as 2017.



[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] Philippine Daily Inquirer
[3] MaxDefense Philippines
[4] MaxDefense Philippines
[5] MaxDefense Philippines