(Manila) The Philippine Navy announced on Monday that its fleet expansion program is progressing smoothly, with the delivery and commissioning of several major surface combat vessels, effectively enhancing the country’s defense and maritime patrol capabilities.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, pointed out that the commissioning last year of the Miguel Malvar-class missile frigate and the Acero-class fast attack interdiction craft marks the continued advancement of the Philippine Navy’s modernization.
Trinidad stated that the Miguel Malvar-class frigate can serve as a main force of the Navy, carrying out patrol missions in the Exclusive Economic Zone and its surrounding waters, injecting new momentum into the country’s maritime defense. The ship has a displacement of 3,200 tons and is equipped with a 76mm main gun, C-Star anti-ship missiles, and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes. Its top speed reaches 28 knots, and it is the first in the fleet to be equipped with a Vertical Launch System capable of launching anti-air missiles to counter aerial threats.
Both frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang, were commissioned on May 20 and December 2 last year, respectively. Notably, BRP Miguel Malvar was commissioned on the very day of the Navy’s 127th anniversary.
In addition, the Philippines’ first locally assembled, missile-capable Acero-class patrol vessel, BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), has also entered service. This is the eighth of nine vessels ordered, with a displacement of around 95 tons and a top speed of 40 knots. It is equipped with automatic cannons, machine guns, and some are outfitted with Spike NLOS missiles, primarily undertaking fast coastal interception and littoral combat missions. The vessel is named in honor of the courageous sailor Albert Majini, who distinguished himself during an anti-piracy operation in Basilan in 1980.
The Philippine Department of National Defense has signed a contract with Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to procure Miguel Malvar-class missile frigates for 28 billion pesos, building on the construction experience from the Jose Rizal-class frigates delivered from 2019 to 2021.
Trinidad stated that the Miguel Malvar-class frigate can serve as a main force of the Navy, carrying out patrol missions in the Exclusive Economic Zone and its surrounding waters, injecting new momentum into the country’s maritime defense. The ship has a displacement of 3,200 tons and is equipped with a 76mm main gun, C-Star anti-ship missiles, and Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes. Its top speed reaches 28 knots, and it is the first in the fleet to be equipped with a Vertical Launch System capable of launching anti-air missiles to counter aerial threats.
Both frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang, were commissioned on May 20 and December 2 last year, respectively. Notably, BRP Miguel Malvar was commissioned on the very day of the Navy’s 127th anniversary.
In addition, the Philippines’ first locally assembled, missile-capable Acero-class patrol vessel, BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), has also entered service. This is the eighth of nine vessels ordered, with a displacement of around 95 tons and a top speed of 40 knots. It is equipped with automatic cannons, machine guns, and some are outfitted with Spike NLOS missiles, primarily undertaking fast coastal interception and littoral combat missions. The vessel is named in honor of the courageous sailor Albert Majini, who distinguished himself during an anti-piracy operation in Basilan in 1980.
The Philippine Department of National Defense has signed a contract with Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to procure Miguel Malvar-class missile frigates for 28 billion pesos, building on the construction experience from the Jose Rizal-class frigates delivered from 2019 to 2021.