South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has launched the second of six offshore patrol vessels (OPV) on order by the Philippines, on 20 November 2025 in Ulsan.
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) is the second of six Rajah Sulayman-class OPV for the Philippine Navy. Representing the Philippines in the ceremony were Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay. The Ambassador-designate was also accompanied by officers of the Embassy, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by President/COO of Naval & Special Ships Business Unit Joo Wonho.
In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability. He also highlighted that the OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security.
Rajah Sulayman-class offshore patrol vessels measure 94 meters in length and 14 meters in width. They feature a cruising speed of 15 knots and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles. These OPVs are fitted with a Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm secondary gun, Terma C-Guard decoy launching systems, a Leonardo SPS-732 search radar, and a Safran Paseo XLR EO/IR system. As previously reported by Naval News, the Philippine Navy will acquire modular towed-array sonar systems (TASS) for three of its six OPVs.
As part of its naval modernization and force enhancement program, the Philippine government placed orders with HD HHI for a total of 10 vessels: two Jose Rizal-class frigates in 2016, two Miguel Malvar-class corvettes in 2021 (which were reclassified as frigates) , and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in 2022.
The launch of the first ship-in-class, BRP Rajah Sulayman, took place in June 2025. Following sea trials and final outfitting, the Rajah Sulayman is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippine Navy in March next year. HD HHI plans to complete and deliver the remaining five vessels by 2028. The other ships in the class will be named BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), BRP Rajah Humabon (PS-22), BRP Sultan Kudarat (PS-23), BRP Datu Marikudo (PS-24) and BRP Datu Sikatuna (PS-25).
Earlier this week, the Philippine Navy commissioned BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), the second of the Miguel Malvar-class ships. This class brings true anti-air warfare capabilities to the Philippine Navy for the first time thanks to their VLS.
