The Philippine Navy will move forward with the expansion of its surface fleet after the Philippine government concluded a new contract with South Korea for the construction of two additional Miguel Malvar–class frigates, thereby strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between both countries and consolidating Seoul as one of Manila’s main military suppliers. The contract, valued at approximately 850 billion won (around US$587 million), was announced by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
According to official information, the contract was awarded to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which will be responsible for building two frigates with a displacement of 3,200 tons, with delivery to the Philippine Navy expected by 2029. The South Korean company has already successfully completed the delivery of two ships based on the original HDC-3100 corvette design, officially designated by the service as frigates.
Continuity of a key program for the Philippine Navy
This new agreement builds on the experience and trust achieved between both countries in the field of naval construction. In 2016, the Philippines signed an initial contract for the acquisition of two José Rizal–class frigates, delivered in 2020 and 2021, vessels of around 2,600 tons displacement that are currently in active service. On that basis, Manila later advanced with the Miguel Malvar Program, aimed at incorporating more modern platforms better suited to patrol, deterrence, and naval presence requirements in the South China Sea.
With this background, the Philippine Navy recently incorporated the first and second units of the Miguel Malvar class, both built in South Korea, enabling a qualitative leap in surface capabilities, sensors, and combat systems compared to older ships in the fleet.
General characteristics and operational role
The Miguel Malvar–class units, with a displacement of around 3,200 tons, are designed to carry out maritime surveillance, escort, anti-surface warfare, and deterrent presence missions in an increasingly contested regional environment.
The choice of South Korea as a strategic partner is explained not only by the cost and performance of the platforms, but also by the logistical support, maintenance, and capability transfer package offered by the South Korean naval industry, a point highlighted by DAPA itself when announcing the agreement.
Other naval programs underway
Finally, the increase in the number of Miguel Malvar–class units is part of broader cooperation between Manila and Seoul in the naval domain. In parallel with this program, the Philippine Navy is also moving forward with the incorporation of offshore patrol vessels built in South Korea, intended to strengthen maritime control, surveillance, and patrol tasks in order to protect the exclusive economic zone and ensure security on the high seas.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes – Philippine Navy.
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