The Philippine Navy brings into service the second of its new corvettes built in South Korea

The Philippine Navy commissioned the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), its new corvette built in South Korea, during a ceremony held at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales. The ship, which arrived in the country in September after completing its construction at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyards, is incorporated as part of the modernization process of the Philippine Armed Forces.

The BRP Diego Silang is a multipurpose platform designed to carry out antisurface, antiair, antisubmarine, and electronic warfare missions. The vessel is equipped with a torpedo launch system, C-Star missiles, and a vertical launch system (VLS), among other elements intended to strengthen naval operational capability.

During the christening and commissioning event, the commander of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, highlighted the ship’s impact on maritime surveillance and regional interoperability. “As a guided-missile frigate, the vessel strengthens our surface combat force, enhances maritime domain awareness, and improves interoperability with partner navies,” he stated. He added that “it enables a more persistent presence in our waters, especially in the West Philippine Sea.”

The commissioning of the BRP Diego Silang comes one year after its launching in March, when the South Korean shipbuilder formally presented the second 3,200-ton corvette destined for the Philippine Navy. At 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in beam, these units are larger than the José Rizal-class frigates currently in service. Their cruising speed reaches 15 knots and their estimated range is 4,500 nautical miles. In addition to the 16-cell VLS, they feature a 76 mm main gun, eight anti-ship missiles, and a 3D AESA radar for target detection.

The ship is part of the batch of new units developed under the “Horizon 2” modernization program, part of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP). In this framework, the Philippines plans to incorporate ten new ships: two frigates, two corvettes, and six offshore patrol vessels, all built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

During the ceremony, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Resource Management, Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening national defense. “Diego Silang sends a clear message that the Philippines will continue to invest in programs that strengthen maritime domain awareness, improve deterrence, and increase our ability to uphold the rule of law,” he stated.

The arrival of the BRP Diego Silang coincides with the upcoming delivery of six new offshore patrol vessels, scheduled for next year, which will continue expanding the operational presence of the Philippine Navy in the region.

*Images obtained from the Philippine Navy.

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