The Philippine Navy on Monday formally welcomed the arrival of its newest warship, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), the second vessel of the Malvar-class frigates.
The 3,200-ton warship is part of a $556 million (₱28 billion) contract signed in 2021 with South Korea’s HD Hyundai. The same shipbuilder also delivered the Navy’s Rizal-class frigates.
“Her arrival is a testament to the strength of our modernization program, which is now gaining momentum,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during the arrival ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic. “This vessel represents our relentless pursuit of a more capable and credible Philippine Navy. It reflects years of hard work, planning, and cooperation with our allies and partners.”
The Malvar-class frigates—originally classified as corvettes—measure 116 meters in length and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots, with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.
The ships are armed with a 16-cell vertical launching system, eight anti-ship missile launchers, a 35mm close-in weapon system, a 76mm main gun, two triple torpedo launchers, and advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar.
Named after 18th-century revolutionary leader Diego Silang, the vessel is expected to be deployed primarily in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing maritime patrols in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
“The name she carries is no ordinary name,” said the ship’s first commanding officer, Capt. John Percie Alcos. “It is the name of a hero who fought not for himself, but for freedom, dignity, and the future of his people. To those who threaten the integrity of our great nation, make no mistake: BRP Diego Silang is a warship—and we will sail her that way.”
Before its official commissioning, the ship will undergo final preparations and acceptance procedures. Once fully operational, it will enhance the Navy’s maritime defense posture and contribute to maintaining a free, secure, and rules-based regional order, the Navy earlier said.
The Philippine Navy is also expecting six offshore patrol vessels from HD Hyundai under a separate $537 million (₱30 billion) deal, with deliveries beginning next year. The lead vessel of that class, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman, was launched in June.
