Herma Shipyard Inc. (HSI) said it completed the drydocking and upgrade of the Philippine Navy frigate PS15, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.
Herma Group director Jose Exiquel Esguerra stressed the importance of upgrading defense systems of the Philippine Navy’s vessels. “It is an honor for the Herma Group to contribute towards nation building through the enhancement of our maritime defense systems through the Philippine Navy,” he said.
The vessel, which will be used for maritime security and defense, was formally turned over to Commander Phillip Plaza (PN) GSC, commanding officer of PS15, in a ceremony held at the Herma Shipyard in the Freeport Area of Bataan.
The upgrade project, undertaken in collaboration with Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd., of Korea, focused on enhancing the vessel’s defense systems. This marks the completion of a series of upgrades to the Philippine Navy’s Gregorio Del Pilar-Class frigates, which include PS15, PS16 (BRP Ramon Alcaraz), and PS17 (BRP Andres Bonifacio). These vessels are former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters that were acquired by the Philippines and now serve as the backbone of the Philippine Navy’s patrol force.
