Through an official statement, SIMA (Servicios Industriales de la Marina S.A.) confirmed the selection of the proposal from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for the construction of a new frigate, a patrol vessel, and two support ships for the Peruvian Navy. The choice of the proposal from the South Korean firm is part of the already established strategic partnership in the field of shipbuilding between the two countries.
It’s not surprising that the Peruvian Navy will sooner rather than later face the renewal of its main surface combat assets. Over the past few years, with the support of SIMA and associated companies, the force has made progress in modernizing the Submarine Force and providing Multi-Purpose Ships of the Makassar Class.
In view of this requirement, SIMA raised various requests abroad for joint construction through strategic partnerships, receiving proposals from Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands in the process. Consequently, the Peruvian shipyard selected the proposal from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries from South Korea for the construction of four new ships of different types and classes for the Peruvian Navy.
According to the statement, the intentions include the construction of a new frigate weighing 3,400 tons, an oceanic patrol vessel of 2,200 tons, and two landing ships of 1,200 tons each. Additionally, options are being considered to increase these numbers in the future, as the Peruvian Navy would evaluate the purchase of up to five additional frigates, four patrol vessels, and two additional landing ships. The intentions could involve the desire to replace, through a single family of ships, the missile frigates of the Carvajal Class and Aguirre Class, which were originally acquired in the 70s through the partnership with Italy and through a second-hand batch in the early and mid-2000s.
“This contract will be a significant milestone for the development of the Peruvian shipbuilding industry,” said Dr. Won-ho Joo, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of HD HHI’s Naval and Special Ships Business Unit. He added, “We will cooperate with SIMA as a long-term strategic partner to develop SIMA and Peru’s industrial capacity to make Peru a key nation in shipbuilding in South America.”
While no further details have been provided, specifically regarding the new frigate, it is the HDF-3200 model designed and promoted by HD HHI. With a displacement of 3,200 tons, a length of 127 meters, and a beam of 14.9 meters, the model incorporates AESA radar sensors, complemented by vertical launch systems for surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles.
As for the patrol vessels, they would be the HDP-2200 model with a displacement of 2,200 tons and a length of 95 meters. With a speed of 20 knots, they have a projected operating range of up to 6,000 nautical miles, focusing on patrol and surveillance missions. They feature a hangar and flight deck for the operation of embarked helicopters.
Finally, the landing ships would correspond to the HDL-1500 model with a displacement of 1,500 tons, capable of transporting armored vehicles, cargo, and personnel for amphibious landing operations or community support. They have a length of 58 meters and a beam of 13.2 meters.
*Images used for illustration purposes.
You may also like: The new challenges faced by the Peruvian Armed Forces’ fleet of Russian-origin helicopters
