The South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries has started the manufacturing process of the two brand-new missile corvettes procured by the Philippine Navy.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said this development came after Navy flag officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr and other ranking officials witnessed the rites for the keel laying for its first missile corvette and the steel cutting for its second missile corvette at the firm's shipyard in South Korea's southeastern city of Ulsan on 22 November.

Negranza said the "steel Cutting Ceremony and the Keel Laying Ceremony of the Corvettes signify the start of the production process of the two Corvettes."

"These ships will definitely boost the naval defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy, adding value to its thrust of becoming a modern and multi-capable navy," he stressed.

"Once completed, the ship is geared to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and systems that can address various maritime security situations," he added.

Corvettes can perform Anti Air Warfare, Anti Surface Warfare, and Anti Submarine Warfare Operations. It can operate independently or work together with other modern warships within a Surface Action Group.

In September this year, Philippine Navy announced the country's acquisition of two brand new missile corvettes between 2025 and 2026 while two offshore patrol vessels are set to come from 2026 to 2028.

The upcoming new navy vessels in the country are part of the Department of National Defense's corvette acquisition program with the South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries awarded on 28 December 2021.

Philippine Navy earlier said the incoming brand new corvettes, worth P28 billion, are expected to reinforce the two Jose Rizal-class missile frigates that are in service—the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna.

Further, the Philippines is also slated to acquire six more brand-new offshore patrol vessels or OPVs worth P30 billion, which was also awarded to HHI on 28 June 2022.