Hyundai Heavy Industries has launched the Philippine Navy’s second Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile corvette.
The event, held in the South Korean port city of Ulsan, is part of a 2021 contract for two warships to complement the force’s existing Jose Rizal-class frigates, also built by Hyundai.
During the ceremony, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) was transferred from the shipyard’s dry dock to the water for the first time.
Once delivered, the Silang will deploy alongside the lead Malvar-class hull (FFG-06), which is set to arrive in Subic, Zambales, in early April.
The Silang is scheduled for official handover in September 2025.
“These warships significantly enhance the country’s naval capabilities amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement.
“The addition of these two 3,200-ton corvettes reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with South Korea.”
The Malvar Warship
The Malvar-class frigate is armed with anti-ship cruise missiles, torpedoes, a 76-millimeter naval gun, a 35-millimeter rapid-fire cannon, and 12.7-millimeter heavy machine guns.
Beyond firepower, it is equipped with electronic warfare countermeasures, an advanced communication suite, and mortar decoy launchers.
The vessel measures 118 meters (387 feet) in length with a 15-meter (49-foot) beam. It has space for small rigid-hull inflatable boats, a flight deck, and a hangar for a 12-ton (10,886-kilogram) maritime helicopter.
Powered by four MTU-STX diesel engines, it reaches speeds of up to 25 knots (29 miles/46 kilometers per hour), has a range of 4,500 nautical miles (5,179 miles/8,334 km), and an operational endurance of up to 20 days.