The Philippine Navy recently commissioned a new corvette as part of the Armed Forces’ modernization and capability enhancement efforts to carry out various missions in the region. With a displacement of 3,200 tons, the vessel, named BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), was showcased at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, in the presence of both national and international authorities.
As mentioned during the ceremony, this corvette is part of the “Horizon 2” program, which falls under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). Through these efforts, the Philippine government is focusing on strengthening the country’s naval capabilities with the construction of ten new ships for the Philippine Navy. These include: two frigates (signed in 2016), two corvettes (2021), and six offshore patrol vessels (2022); all manufactured by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
As previously reported, the Indo-Pacific region has seen increasing tensions and disputes due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. These issues are compounded by longstanding incidents involving China and the Philippines, whose armed forces and coast guards have been involved in multiple confrontations in contested areas claimed by both nations.
The BRP Miguel Malvar measures 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in beam, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (about 28 km/h) and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km). Each vessel will be equipped with a 16-cell vertical launching missile system, eight anti-ship missiles, 35mm cannons, and a 76mm main gun. Previous reports from local media indicate that the corvettes will use VL MICA surface-to-air missiles and C-Star anti-ship missiles developed by South Korea’s LIG Nex1.
This is the first 3,200-ton corvette launched by South Korea for the Philippine Navy, recently followed by the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07). The former was launched in June 2024, while the latter was launched just a few days ago. The incorporation of the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) is expected to enhance the operational readiness and maritime response capabilities of the country’s armed forces.
In this context, the Secretary of National Defense stated during the presentation that the corvette, aside from serving as a deterrent and a protector of the nation’s waters, is an “important component” of operations as the Philippine military works with its allies and upholds the rules of international law.
Cover image: credits to whom it may concern
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